Lockheed Martin officials said today at the Paris Air Show, that the company's C-130J Super Hercules, the world's most advanced airlifter, is delivering outstanding performance for operators around the world.

"The new C-130J performed beyond even our expectations during recent real- world operations," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin C-130J Program vice president. "From reports we have seen from the operators, the C-130J had mission availability rates as high as 99%. Low level nighttime operations, long range re-supply, medivac, whatever the mission, the J delivered."

The U.S. government recently announced a multi-year acquisition program for 60 C-130Js, so the stability and future of this program is strong. Recent milestones include:

   -- The Royal Air Force used the C-130J in combat for the first time
      during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and also certified the
      aircraft for 'Parawedge' operations (very low level paratroop
      delivery)
   -- The Italian Air Force conducted air drop testing and set a new
      Italian record for most weight released
   -- The Royal Australian Air Force successfully completed paradrop
      testing
   -- The first of three C-130J-30s for the Royal Danish Air Force entered
      flight test
   -- The first of six HC-130Js was delivered U.S. Coast Guard
   -- C-130J-30 austere field landing trials in the Arizona desert were
      completed
   -- Load tests of the U.S. Army's family of Stryker armored vehicles were
      successful
   -- The first transatlantic flight by a U.S. operator was completed

A total of 179 C-130Js and J-30s are on order, of which 96 have been delivered to date. The capabilities of the C-130J make it a true transformational asset and the aircraft's performance in supporting light, fast and lethal combat operations has resulted in greatly increased interest from customers around the world. Versions of the C-130J are also being marketed for a range of special operation applications.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company