From combat delivery missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, to humanitarian relief flights in the Indian Ocean, to literally flying into hurricanes, 2005 was a milestone year for operations with the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules airlifter. Lockheed Martin is highlighting the C-130J this week at the Asian Aerospace air show, the region's foremost aerospace and defense technology exhibition.

"The combination of advanced technology and reduced crew requirements make the C-130J ideally suited to fill the airlift requirements of many countries in this region. From the rapid deployment of relief supplies to devastated areas, to the evacuation of those needing medical aid, the C-130J has no equal," said Dave Scott, director of international business development in the Asia-Pacific region for Lockheed Martin. "The tremendous range, power and payload capability of the C-130J make it nearly twice as effective as older C-130s and we have seen ample evidence of that capability in combat. But the ability of the C-130J to deliver large amounts of supplies and personnel to regions where normal airfield operations have been disrupted is one of its biggest advantages. With its short austere landing strip capability, C-130Js are often the first aircraft to start the relief process."

"The C-130J program had an outstanding year in 2005," Scott continued. "We had yet another year of completing all deliveries on schedule. The aircraft we deliver leave the factory and go right into service to support combat operations and coalition, Homeland Security and humanitarian relief missions. The operators who fly the C-130J also had an exceptional year, showing the amazing capability of the aircraft in everything from high hot conditions in Afghanistan and Iraq; to disaster relief flights to countries affected by the tsunami and into Pakistan after the earthquake; to literally flying into the devastating hurricanes that hit the USA last fall in order to send back wind and weather data."

C-130J operators from around the world are now operating at a high tempo in both combat and humanitarian relief support operations. The United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and Denmark are all experiencing first hand the high reliability and range, speed and payload capabilities of the C-130J, often with mission capable rates exceeding 90 percent. Two C-130Js can carry the mission of three older Hercules with a two-thirds reduction in the number of crew members required. The capabilities and performance of the C-130J, which will soon be increased through the introduction of the Block 5.4 software upgrade package, makes it a vital, affordable transport asset that is being sought by many other countries.

A C-130J from the 143rd Airlift Wing, the California Air National Guard unit based at Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, California, USA, will be on static display for the duration of the exposition.

A total of 182 C-130Js are on order and 135 have been delivered to date. In the United States, active-duty, Air National Guard (ANG) and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) units fly the C-130J. The ANG also flies the EC-130J special operations aircraft, while AFRC operates the specialized WC-130J Weatherbird hurricane hunting aircraft. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J, which saw extensive service during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts. International C-130J operators are the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company