PICTURE: First flight for USAF's HC-130J

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PICTURE: First flight for USAF's HC-130J

Lockheed Martin has performed the first flight with a new version of its C-130J tactical transport in development for the US Air Force.

Flown from the company’s Marietta site in Georgia on 29 July, the HC-130J is configured as a combat tanker for use in support of personnel recovery missions.

The first example is on track to be delivered to the USAF’s Air Combat Command organisation next month, says Lockheed.

The new J-model variant should achieve initial operational capability during 2012. It will replace some of the air force’s legacy HC-130s, 34 of which are now flown in the N and P production standards, as listed in Flightglobal’s MiliCAS database.

Two HC-130Js are currently on order from a stated requirement for 18 aircraft.

PICTURE: First flight for USAF's HC-130J-02/08/2010-London-Flightglobal.com

 

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what's new about this version..... anything particular that makes it special ???

 

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First Lockheed Martin/USAF HC-130J Combat Rescue Tanker Rolls Out

MARIETTA, Ga., April 19th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] rolled out the first of a new fleet of HC-130J combat rescue tankers for the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) during a ceremony here today. Maj. Gen. Thomas K. Andersen, director of requirements, Headquarters ACC, spoke at the ceremony.

“Personnel recovery is one of the Air Force’s core missions and vital to what we do in defense of America. The mission is demanding and we are grateful to those [employees] of Lockheed Martin assembled here that have given us a world-class aircraft ready for the demands of the mission,” Andersen said. “The HC-130J will enable us to meet the expanding operational tasks that we face today — wartime operations in Operation Enduring Freedom and the Horn of Africa, and relief operations in the continental United States as well as in areas like Haiti and Chile. For that, ACC, the Air Force and the nation thank you.”

Lockheed Martin is contracted with the U.S. Air Force to build 21 C 130J Super Hercules to replace aging fleets of combat search and rescue HC-130s and special operations MC 130s. The U.S. Air Force is authorized to acquire up to 31 HC/MC 130Js (11 HCs and 20 MCs).

“Yet again, we see the C-130 setting new standards for mission flexibility,” said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. “This new configuration of the proven C-130J will give ACC unparalleled capability for combat search and rescue. As demand for the C-130J continues to grow around the world, we will see more ways this aircraft can meet the demands of any operator and mission.”

The new aircraft, which is based on a KC-130J tanker baseline, will have the Enhanced Service Life Wing, Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, and provisions for the large aircraft infrared countermeasures system. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and risk, and meets the required 2012 initial operational capability.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that 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 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

 

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