The flexibility and enhanced performance of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules are meeting the operational needs of air forces around the world, as demonstrated by the "J" fleet's growing record in a multitude of missions.

Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin's vice president of business development for Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces, said the C-130J demonstrates every day how it is capable of meeting the full range of tactical airlift missions. "Whether operating out of a 2,000-foot-long dirt strip high in a mountain range or flying over 3,000 miles on a resupply mission, the C-130J is living up to its reputation as the world's most flexible airlifter," said Grant.

"It is delivering 'last mile' intra-theater support supplies to remote operating bases, keeping trucks off dangerous highways and carrying tons of supplies non-stop for thousands of miles," he said. "Outside of traditional theater support operations, the C-130J performs in-flight refueling, weather reconnaissance, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, search and rescue, paradrop, special operations and many other missions. No other aircraft in production or on the drawing board has the flexibility of the Super Hercules."

"As an example of the aircraft's high tempo capabilities, during the past 27 months in theater, six U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J tankers have completed 7,606 sorties totaling more than 14,973 flight hours," Grant continued. "During April alone, they flew 325 sorties and logged 633 flight hours, during which they off-loaded 117,238 pounds of cargo, air dropped 31,435 pounds of cargo, transported 832 personnel and also passed 5.7 million pounds of fuel. That is truly outstanding performance."

The new C-130J is capable of generating much greater operational efficiencies than the older C-130s by flying further, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J only requires three crew members for most missions so fewer flight crew members are exposed to potential threats in theater. C-130Js are currently deployed in two combat theaters and are operating at a very high tempo efficiently and reliably. C-130Js are being used daily for troop and equipment resupply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling and humanitarian relief. The worldwide fleet of C-130Js has now exceeded 350,000 flight hours.

In the United States, Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js, WC-130Js and EC-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J. 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 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company