Article Posted on : - Jun 06, 2010

The first CC-130J Super Hercules delivered at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Photo: Lockheed Martin

MARIETTA (BNS): Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of the 17 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to Canada at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Friday.

Canada has earlier finalized its CC-130J (the Canadian designation) contract with Lockheed Martin in December 2007, with a subsequent agreement from the U.S. Air Force to ensure an early delivery of the first two Canadian aircraft.
The CC-130Js are the "stretched" configuration of the C-130J and are of similar specification to those already operated by the U.S. and other worldwide air forces.

Lockheed Martin will complete the full delivery of aircrafts by the end of 2012.

"The C-130J Super Hercules is an operationally proven platform and the ideal aircraft to replace Canada's existing C 130 fleet. The current C-130s have been Canada's indomitable workhorse for decades and this new aircraft will now meet the demanding tactical airlift needs of the Canadian Forces," Tony Frese, Lockheed Martin C-130J program director said in an official news release.

The C-130J generates greater operational efficiency than Canada's existing E and H models, by flying further, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. The aircraft's increased performance gives it an enhanced range with a payload capability of over 4,000 nautical miles. In addition, its short-field performance allows the aircraft to engage in direct support missions for frontline forces down to the last tactical mile.

C-130Js are currently deployed in several theatres and are operating at a high tempo efficiently and reliably. C-130Js are used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling, humanitarian relief and search and rescue.