MARIETTA, Ga., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is hosting the 23rd Hercules Operators' Conference here, today through Oct. 20. About 800 representatives from 34 nations – as well as 90 supplier companies – are attending and focusing on C-130 Hercules support, operations, upgrades and new fleet acquisition.

This year's theme of "Relevance and Affordability" provides insight into how the C-130 Hercules, the world's benchmark for airlift, can meet the needs of multiple operators from a single proven, affordable baseline.

"As C-130 production continues at a high rate, Lockheed Martin seeks additional ways to keep all C-130 models viable through cost-effective modifications and upgrades," said John Cottam, Lockheed Martin director of C-130 International Operations, during the conference's opening ceremony. "We know that the C-130 will be here for decades to come and we want to make sure we support all airframes according to our operators' needs. There is nothing like a Hercules and nothing that can replace a Hercules. Some have tried and some are still trying, but the reality is that the aircraft's concept, design and proven capabilities have been, and still are, the standard for airlift throughout modern history."

The C-130J program continues to deliver new capability to new countries and existing operators. India and Qatar have joined the global C-130 operator family, while the U.S. Air Force recently received HC-130J Personnel Recovery and MC-130J Special Operations aircraft. At the end of this month, Lockheed Martin will roll out the 250th C-130J Super Hercules – an aircraft destined for Dyess AFB, Texas, which will be the world's largest C-130J feet operator with 28 aircraft.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company