Article Posted on : - Jun 10, 2010

US C-130 J aircraft. A file photo

MARIETTA (BNS): The first three C-130J Super Hercules designed for Indian Air Force are in the final stage of development at the Lockheed Martin�s Marietta work center.

In 2007, India had ordered six Lockheed Martin-built C-130Js worth around $1 billion, under an inter-governmental deal with the US.

India will receive the first C-130J aircraft by February 2011, with three years of initial support by the company. The aircraft will be based at the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad near the national capital.

C-130J 'Super Hercules' is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft made by Lockheed Martin.

The C-130J for India is equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS).

The aircraft will be able to perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. Self protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environments.

The aircraft is also equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations. Lockheed Martin will integrate this equipment and other capabilities into the Indian configuration as agreed between the governments.