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Lockheed Martin has secured a US$3 billion ($4.3 billion) deal to provide the US government with 50 new C-130J Super Hercules tactical air lift aircraft as part of a multi-year deal.
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The Department of Defense awarded more than $1.5 billion in funding for the first 21 C-130J aircraft on the multi-year award.
The overall award, worth more than $3 billion, provides Super Hercules aircraft to the US Air Force (24 HC/MC-130Js), Marine Corps (20 KC-130Js) and Coast Guard (options for six HC-130Js). Aircraft purchased through the C-130J Multiyear III award will deliver between 2021 and 2025, and will be built at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Georgia, facility.
The award comes as a delivery order under an existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract awarded in August 2016.
Rod McLean, vice president and general manager, air mobility and maritime missions at Lockheed Martin, said, "The C-130J Multiyear III award represents a joint commitment between Lockheed Martin and the US government in delivering proven capability that meets our operators' mission and affordability requirements."
The C-130J Super Hercules is the global standard in tactical airlift, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission — anytime, anywhere.
The Super Hercules worldwide fleet has more than 2 million flight hours and is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations.
"Our partnership with the US government provides significant savings through multi-year procurement as compared to annual buys, and provides the best tactical airlifter to crews who fly and support the world's largest Super Hercules fleet," McLean added.
The C-130J Hercules is a medium-sized tactical air-lifter that can deliver cargo to airfields with short unsurfaced runways, and airdrop cargo and paratroops by parachute.
A fleet of 12 are operated from RAAF Base Richmond by No. 37 Squadron. They were delivered to the base between 1999 and 2001.
The C-130J is an important air link for Australian Defence Force personnel overseas, with two aircraft deployed in the Middle East to provide assistance to medical treatment locations.
The Australian Defence Force relies extensively on the C-130J when deploying personnel and aid. The C-130J Hercules can carry up to 128 passengers, or eight pallets of cargo. It can work alongside other airlifters, including the C-27J Spartan and C-17A Globemaster III.
Upgrades to the C-130J have enhanced communications and information-sharing, and improved the aircraft's endurance during battle.
Recent operations include:
- Op Queensland Flood Assist (2011);
- Op Philippines Assist (2013); and
- Op OKRA (2014), where C-130Js were used to airdrop humanitarian supplies to Iraqi civilians.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
