Hercules Remains the Go-To for Tactical Airlift

The C-130 has hit yet another milestone in its long march toward legend, after Lockheed Martin tendered the 2,700th Hercules airlifter to the United States Marine Corps.

The aircraft in question was equipped as a KC-130J, a tanker variant that will go to serve with the Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 at Marine Corps Air Station based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Just the fact that the standard Hercules today has made it all the way through the alphabet to become the C-130J is testament to just how long-lived and effective the tactical airlifter is. It's a true workhorse, offering a high wing, quad turboprop layout that can handle rough fields and heavy loads with aplomb. Today, the C-130J can be had as a certified model to tack 18 different distinct missions, which is why it's been put to work by 70 countries around the world. The 'Juliet' fleet alone has 26 operators in 22 nations, adding up to 3 million flight hours in total across more than 540 aircraft.

"The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. "Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130's ongoing relevance."

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com