Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with the Royal Danish Air Force for an additional C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The new contract is the exercise of an option available under Denmark's original order for three C-130Js, placed in December 2000. The first three aircraft were delivered to Denmark earlier this year.

"Denmark has rapidly become a highly proficient C-130J operator and this further order shows this customer's satisfaction with the aircraft," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin's vice president for the C-130J program. "The face of modern conflict is changing all over the world, and the C-130J brings a transformation to air mobility that meets that challenge. The C-130J's outstanding performance and reliability have been rapidly exploited by the Royal Danish Air Force as part of the expanding fleet of operational C-130Js around the world."

The Danish aircraft, which are the long-fuselage version of the C-130J, feature a strengthened cargo ramp and improved airdrop system that allows crews to make airdrops at 250 knots to avoid anti-aircraft fire in hostile areas; the Enhanced Cargo Handling System for rapidly converting the aircraft from hauling rolling stock to palletized cargo; and Denmark-specific items, including a tailored electronic warfare suite.

The Royal Danish Air Force conducts air transport operations for the Danish Defense Forces and other international operations. A number of Danish units have been designated for service with NATO's reaction forces in connection with international military operations.

More than 2,260 Hercules aircraft of all types in more than 70 different variants have been delivered to 60 countries since the program began. A total of 67 countries, counting those that bought used aircraft, now fly the Hercules. The C-130J is the latest version to come off the longest, continuous, active military aircraft production line in history.

As of Lockheed Martin's 2nd quarter earnings report, a total of 180 C-130Js are on order and 115 have been delivered. In the U.S., Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers, and the Coast Guard is now introducing the HC-130J into service. International C-130J operators include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and Royal Danish Air Force. The capabilities and performance of the C-130J in supporting light, fast and lethal combat operations make it a true transformational asset.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, 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