Lockheed Martin C-130Js operated by the U.S. Air Force have just completed a 20- month deployment to southwest Asia where they soundly demonstrated the ability to maintain a high operational tempo under demanding desert conditions. During the two year deployment, four C-130Js conducted 5,444 sorties over 10,750 flight hours, delivered 12,681 tons of cargo and carried 70,350 passengers.

"After years of speculation and rumor, we now have hard data upon which we can evaluate the performance of the C-130J," said Colonel Larry Gallogly, Commander 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard. "This real world experience of our crews shows us what the aircraft is capable of and its future potential as we all become more adept at employing this outstanding new weapon system."

The deployment to the theater involved aircraft from the Rhode Island 143rd Airlift Wing based in Quonset, R.I., the Maryland 135th Airlift Group based in Baltimore, Md. and the California 146th Airlift Wing based in Channel Islands, Calif.

C-130Js are now being operated at a high tempo around the world in both combat and relief support operations with the worldwide fleet exceeding 340,000 flight hours. The United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and Denmark are all experiencing first hand, the high reliability and increased range, speed and payload capabilities of the C-130J.

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 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company