MARIETTA, Ga., Oct. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today introduced Pallas Aviation as the first LM-100J commercial freighter operator. The LM-100J is a production variant of the proven C-130J Super Hercules, which is the military airlifter of choice for 18 nations around the world.

Pallas Aviation will provide management services and operational control of two LM-100J aircraft requiring heavy-lift/oversized cargo capability into and out of unconventional airports and remote locations for a specific set of clients in multiple industries. Pallas will operate its LM‑100Js out of Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas.

In conjunction with this announcement, an LM-100J aircraft will be on static display at the Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth, Oct. 13-14.

"In choosing the LM-100J, we have access to one of the newest cargo freighters that happens to have one of the most proven pedigrees in aviation: the C-130J Super Hercules. The LM-100J offers an outstanding performance record, reliability, experience and unmatched capabilities," said Emory Ellis, Pallas Aviation president. "There are other cargo aircraft in the market, but there's one LM-100J, and that's the airplane we need to do our job."     

Lockheed Martin introduced the LM-100J freighter in 2014 as an updated version of the L-100 legacy Hercules commercial variant. Lockheed Martin delivered more than 100 L-100s to private and government operators from 1964-1992. The LM-100J offers a civil-certified option for operators that builds on the proven performance of the military C-130J variants, which have flown almost 2 million hours in support of a multitude of mission requirements. 

"Over the past few years, we've had the honor to partner with the Pallas team in building the LM-100J and are excited to see this joint vision be a reality that we can share with the aviation industry," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "We can't wait for Pallas to show the world the versatility and capability that is found only in an LM-100J."

Two LM-100Js are currently flying in support of FAA type certificate update testing. The C-130J was fully FAA certified when it was first developed and the LM-100J requires an update of this certificate. For more information on the LM-100J, visit https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/lm-100j.html.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company