Egypt is the 23rd nation to join the global C-130J Super Hercules fleet with the acquisition of two C-130J-30 tactical airlifters. (Lockheed Martin)
(Tribune News Service) — The Egyptian Armed Forces announced that Lockheed Martin will deliver two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force, officially becoming the 23rd nation to join the aircraft’s fleet.
The deal was finalized through a foreign military sale with the U.S. Air Force, according to Lockheed Martin.
Described as the most advanced and proven tactical airlifter in the world, the C-130J is a medium-sized tactical airlifter and tanker with a maximum allowable payload of 44,000 pounds, according to Lockheed. The company has delivered more than 545 C-130Js and the Super Hercules global fleet has surpassed more than 3 million flight hours.
According to Lockheed Martin, Egypt operates as one of the largest owners of the C-130H airlifter supporting military, peacekeeping, humanitarian and natural disaster response missions. The nation joins seven other operators in the Middle East North Africa region to choose the C-130J as a preferred medium-sized tactical airlifter.
Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, called the Egyptian Air Force a distinguished C-130 operator.
”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,” McLean said. “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.”
Last month, thousands of Lockheed Martin employees gathered at Lockheed’s Marietta plant to commemorate 70 years since the first flight of the C-130 Hercules.
On Aug. 23, 1954, the YC-130 prototype’s first flight took place at Lockheed’s Burbank, California, plant. Since then, every production of the four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft has been built at Lockheed’s Marietta production facility, making it the longest running military aircraft production program in history.
This year, the Marietta plant will produce about 20 C-130Js.
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