Four Super Hercs To Be Built For Emirate

The State of Qatar has signed a $393.6 million contract with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of four C-130J Super Hercules airlifters plus training and spares with deliveries to begin in 2011. Qatar's new C-130Js will be the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the C-130J.

Since this is Qatar's first experience with C-130s, the package being provided by Lockheed Martin is a complete solution. The package includes four aircraft, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets, and a team of technical specialists who will be based in Qatar during an initial support period.

"This acquisition of a fleet of C-130Js will provide our country with a highly flexible airlift capability," said Brigadier General Ahmad Ibrahim Al -- Malki, Chairman of the Qatar Emiri Air Force Airlift Evaluation Committee. "No other aircraft can do what a C-130J can do and we are proud to join the many, many countries around the world that operate the world's most successful airlifter."

"We also are extremely proud to be selected to provide the world's most advanced tactical mobility aircraft to meet Qatar's operational airlift needs," said Jim Jamerson, president, Middle East/Africa Region, Lockheed Martin Corporation. "The C-130J Super Hercules will equip the Qatari Emiri Air Force with proven, modern, and effective tactical and strategic airlift to support a wide range of Qatar's national requirements."

Qatar joins the rapidly growing number of nations with C-130J fleets including Australia, Canada, Demark, India, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States.

C-130Js are currently deployed in two combat theaters. In non-combat, but equally harsh environments, the C-130Js were first to support relief efforts after hurricane Katrina, Thailand's tsunami, Myanmar's typhoon and several earthquakes.

The worldwide fleet of C-130Js has now flown nearly half a million flight hours, with some C-130J operator countries flying as much as 1000 hours per month.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com