During an intensive series of flight tests at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, Air Mobility Command (AMC) took the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules closer to full operational capability with the U.S. Air Force. The highly successful trials, called Procedures Development and Evaluation (PD&E), culminated on the night of February 23 with a seven-aircraft, low level formation flight utilizing night vision goggles.

"The C-130J formation PD&E met or exceeded every objective that we set out to be examined," said Lt. Col. Chris Hair, chief of operations modernization, headquarters, AMC. "The aircrew and maintainers who participated in PD&E are ecstatic. The lessons we have learned will go a long way toward getting the C-130J into the fight."

AMC assembled seven C-130Js from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command units for the three-week trial to conduct formation flights, low altitude airdrops and night vision goggle operations.

The active-duty Air Force will formally receive its first C-130J Super Hercules on April 16 at Little Rock AFB, the Air Force's largest C-130 base.

"We are very excited to move the C-130J closer to full operational capability with the U.S. Air Force," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president of C-130J programs. "We have delivered C-130Js to operators around the world and it is very gratifying to see this amazing aircraft beginning the combat role for which it was designed."

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, research and 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/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2. The company produces major components for the F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company