Lockheed Martin yesterday delivered a fourth C-130J Super Hercules to the 41st Airlift Squadron (AS), a unit of the 463rd Airlift Group, which is based at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The 41st AS, also known as the "Black Cats," is the first active-duty C-130J combat squadron in the Air Force. Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, Director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. accepted the new C-130J on behalf of the "Black Cats."

"I am thrilled to deliver this new C-130J -- living proof of the Air Force's intent to recapitalize our aging fleet -- to the Warriors in the 463rd Airlift Group who need it so badly to fight the Global War on Terror," Roggero said. "The speed and flexibility of this J-model will allow it to literally shape the outcome of battles with its ability to deliver people and cargo when and where they're needed to attack our enemies or to help our friends."

The new C-130J generates much greater operational efficiency than the older C-130s by flying further, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J requires only 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 re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling and humanitarian relief. The worldwide fleet of C-130Js has now exceeded 355,000 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. 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