Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation , announced today (July 24, 2002) that the C-130J worldwide fleet has now passed 50,000 flying hours.

Ross Reynolds, vice president of the C-130J program, told reporters attending a press conference that the C-130J program is on track and the aircraft is performing splendidly. "This is a tremendous achievement for such a young fleet, and it shows how rapidly this program is maturing," said Reynolds. "Wherever we look, the 'Super Herc' is being praised for its performance and capability. I am proud to lead the program that is demonstrating the future of airlift technology."

Lockheed Martin has received orders for 118 C-130Js and CC-130Js worldwide. Ninety of the aircraft have been delivered to date, with the most recent being a CC-130J for the California Air National Guard (CC-130J is the designation given to the 'stretched' C-130J by the U.S. Air Force).

The C-130J is now being flown by the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force, U.S. Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Marine Corps. In addition, C-130Js are on order for the Royal Danish Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Around the world, the J is already demonstrating its outstanding tactical and strategic capabilities. In addition to its multiple roles and peacetime missions, the J is now actively involved in the war zone in Afghanistan.

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, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin 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.

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

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

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company