Lockheed Martin delivered the 2300th C-130 Hercules built at its facility in Marietta, Georgia, in ceremonies today. The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker for the United States Marine Corps, was accepted by Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Miramar, Calif. The Marine Corps has taken delivery of 24 KC-130J Tankers, six of which are currently deployed to Iraq in support of ongoing combat operations.

"The Third Marine Aircraft Wing and I are extremely pleased to accept our 12th KC-130J at MCAS Miramar," said Maj. Gen. Helland at today's ceremony. "The KC-130J is a magnificent reminder of the close relationship between the United States Marine Corps and Lockheed Martin and, with its great service record, it will continue to provide tireless combat support to the Marine Corps and our warriors forward deployed."

Regarded as the U.S. Air Force's premier intratheater airlifter, the C-130J Super Hercules is the most advanced airlifter available on the world market. Features of the Super Hercules include its extended range with greater thrust under all conditions, high-elevation/hot-temperature performance, enhanced situational awareness, enhanced defensive systems, and significant operational flexibility. Redesigned and improved to operate in demanding environments, the C-130J delivers a unique mix of excellent high altitude/hot climate and short take-off and landing/soft field performance for intra- theater operations.

The C-130 production line in Marietta is the longest continuously operating military aircraft production line in history. The C-130 has been in continuous production for more than 50 years. The J model is the fifth major production variant of this versatile airlifter.

"With many countries looking for new airlift fleets, the C-130J is the only affordable option for many, as it can complete both tactical and strategic missions," says David Haines, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. "In the United States, the C-130J is ideally positioned to become the next aircraft to modernize the special operations fleets and the aging C-130 combat delivery fleets."

Few aircraft have earned the description "legendary." However, the C-130, named Hercules from the mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength, has become a true, real-world legend. These multi-mission airlifters are flown by more than 60 nations worldwide, in more than 70 variants. There is no airlift mission the C-130 has not flown. It carries troops, vehicles and armaments into battle; airdrops paratroopers and supplies; serves as airborne and ground refuelers; provides emergency evacuation and humanitarian relief; and conducts airborne early warning, maritime surveillance and special missions. It has recovered space capsules, and worn skis in Antarctica. Many of the earliest C-130s are still active today after surviving the toughest flights, the roughest landings and the constant pounding of heavy cargo.

In the U.S., Air Force Reserve Command, Air Education and Training Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J, which saw extensive service in 2005 during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts. International C-130J operators include 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 140,000 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