Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin Corp. , announced today (July 2) that the Government of Italy has accepted the first two of 10 "stretched" C-130Js on order for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI, Italian Air Force). This version of the C-130J, designated CC-130J by the U.S. Air Force, is now known around the world for its tremendous range, speed and lift capability. These aircraft will be ferried to Pisa, Italy, where the AMI's 46th Air Brigade will operate them.

"The CC-130J is rapidly gaining a reputation as the world's most-capable airlifter," said Ross Reynolds, vice president of the C-130J program. "Its increased capacity and performance make it the solution for many strategic, as well as tactical, roles. The delivery of these aircraft will further strengthen the AMI's force structure."

Italy is Europe's second largest C-130J operator, with a total of 22 aircraft on order. The United Kingdom's Royal Air Force has 25 C-130Js, and Denmark has three on order with an option for a fourth. Several other European countries are poised to select the C-130J to meet all their airlift needs.

Built at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Ga., facility, the CC-130J is based on the standard C-130J model, but features a fuselage 180 inches (457.2 centimeters) longer than the standard C-130J model, providing the greater airlift capability required by many operators.

The Italian configuration of the C-130J is among the most sophisticated yet developed for the aircraft. It has a highly advanced suite of communications and defensive systems that include U/VHF combined multiband radios and a laser warning receiver system. In addition, it is the first C-130J "receiver-tanker" built. A receiver-tanker has the ability to both refuel other aircraft as well as being refueled itself during flight -- a true "force multiplier" that provides the operator with greater flexibility in performing strategic or tactical transport missions.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is also building a National Training Center (NTC) at Pisa Air Base in support of the C-130J aircraft program. The AMI NTC primarily will be used to conduct C-130J aircrew and maintenance training, but will also provide growth potential as well as classroom facilities for other aircraft programs.

A total of 118 C-130Js and CC-130Js have been ordered worldwide, with 86 aircraft delivered so far. Current customers include the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F-22, JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-27J, C-130, C-130J, P-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Employing about 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

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For information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company