Article Posted on : - Sep 29, 2011

Lockheed Martin company officials formally delivers four C-130J Super Hercules airlifters to the State of Qatar. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

MARIETTA, GEORGIA (BNS): Qatar has become the first C-130J Super Hercules operator in the Middle-East with the delivery of four airlifters from Lockheed Martin.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force’s Super Hercules is the longer fuselage or “stretched” variant of the C-130J. The aircraft will be used for humanitarian relief and military missions.

This is Qatar’s first experience with C-130s and Lockheed Martin is providing a complete solution package. The new airlift fleet will ferry to Qatar in October.

The package includes the four aircraft; aircrew and maintenance training; spares; ground support and test equipment; and a team of technical specialists who will be based in Qatar during an initial support period.

“It is a historic day for both the Qatar Armed Forces and Lockheed Martin as we welcome Qatar into the global C-130 family,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs.

“This acquisition of a fleet of C-130Js provides Qatar with a highly flexible airlift capability. As the first C-130J operator in the Middle-East, Qatar takes a unique place in C-130 history.”