Article Posted on : - Jun 26, 2010

C-130J Super Hercules. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

WASHINGTON (PTI): India is set to receive the first of the six C-130J Super Hercules, and this major force multiplier is ready for flight test, its American manufacturer Lockheed Martin has said.

The first Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules for India has completed painting at the company's Marietta, Georgia, facility.

The aircraft, the world's most advanced airlifter, now enters flight test in preparation for delivery at the end of the year, the company said on Friday.

The programme for India includes six C-130Js, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spare parts, and ground support and test equipment.

Also included is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase Special Operations capabilities, Lockheed Martin said.

The six C-130Js will give the Indian Army and Air Force new special operations capabilities using the world's most advanced air lifter.

The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Indian Air Force purchased six C-130J-30s in early 2008 at a cost of up to USD 1.059 billion.

It is a package deal with the US government under its Foreign Military sales programme, and India has retained options to buy six more of these aircraft for its special forces for combined army-air force operations.