Lockheed delivers 400th C-130J

[eagle driver]

Credit to MSF for link
Strength in Numbers: Lockheed Martin Delivers 400th C-130J Super Hercules

MARIETTA, Ga., Feb. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules on February 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that is assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command.

The C-130J Super Hercules is the current production model of the legendary C-130 Hercules, with operators in 17 nations. To date, the global fleet of C-130Js has surpassed more than 1.7 million flight hours supporting almost any mission requirement – any time, any place.

“We celebrate this accomplishment with our employees, industry partners, and the Super Hercules operator community that spans 17 countries,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “These first 400 C-130Js meet a global demand for the proven performance and unmatched versatility found only in a Super Hercules. Its durability, relevancy, and capability will continue to set the C-130J apart as the world’s choice in tactical airlift for decades to come.”

The C-130J is defined by its versatility. To date, the C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations including transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refueling.

This aircraft has another distinction in addition to being the 400th C-130J delivered: it is the 13th MC-130J to be converted into an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It will be assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AC-130J is a highly-modified C-130J that provides close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance.

The U.S. government operates the largest C-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery represents the U.S. government’s continued transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Air Mobility Command, AFSOC, Air Combat Command, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Marine Corps. The Air National Guard and Reserve still operate a mixed fleet of C-130J and legacy aircraft.

To learn more about Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/c130

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
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Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II
s/n 16-5835
c/n 382-5835


Reply

[Seahornet1]

...Lockheed Martin reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules on February 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft ...

...This aircraft has another distinction in addition to being the 400th C-130J delivered: it is the 13th MC-130J to be converted into an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship...

Being the 13th of anything doesn't sound like much of a distinction to me...

Wonder why why wasn't it built as an AC-130J in the first place; is the conversion from an MC-130J the only certified process for manufacturing a Gunship...?

[seven]

Because it was ordered as an MC-130. Then a separate order for conversion to AC-130.
Yes it doesn't make any sense but thats the game for you!

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