Next-Gen Tactical Airlifter Joins its Predecessors in the Egyptian Stables

Egypt has become the 23rd nation to field the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, now that they've completed a Foreign Military Sale through the U.S. Air Force.

It's a testament to just how unbeatable the ol' C-130 is, offering efficient, reliable turboprop power and a rugged off-airport performance. While some competition has sprung up abroad, like Embraer's promising C-390, the Hercules has a brand that's stood the test of time - and that counts for a lot when picking out tactical airlifters. Egypt ordered two C-130J-30 aircraft, planning to use them just like their current fleet of C-130H aircraft. Much of the time, Egypt presses their Hercules into service with the usual rotation of military transport, logistics, and peacekeeping operations whenever a humanitarian crisis comes afoot.

"Egypt is a distinguished C-130 operator, flying its Hercules fleet to support some of the most challenging mission requirements," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. 

"Welcoming Egypt to the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet is an honor that truly represents the longstanding partnership between our two nations and with Lockheed Martin. With these new C-130J-30s, the Egyptian Air Force's tactical airlift presence will deliver unmatched capabilities and aligned force amplification to serve Egypt, North Africa and the world."

To date, more than 545 C-130Js have been manufactured, building up a logbook of more than 3 million flight hours. It's for good reason, too, as Lockheed cites "proven operational readiness with the greatest ease of transition, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, certification by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and enhanced survivability."

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com