Lockheed Martin Announces C-130J-SOF Super Hercules Dedicated to Supporting International Special Operations Forces
PARIS, June 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — At the Paris Air Show today, Lockheed Martin officials introduced the C-130J-SOF, the newest Super Hercules aircraft configured for international military special operations requirements.
The C-130J-SOF is the tenth production variant of the Super Hercules. This multi-mission aircraft is specifically intended to meet the unique demands associated with executing operations of strategic importance in support of international Special Operations Forces.
“The C-130J’s inherent versatility is capable of supporting missions across a broad spectrum of military operations and this is amplified once again with the C-130J-SOF,” said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “As our global partners face increasing and evolving threats that transcend borders, they want a proven solution. The C-130J-SOF, is in fact, the solution that will ensure security is preserved around the world.”
The C-130J-SOF provides the capability to execute Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and psychological operations, airdrop resupply, personnel recovery, humanitarian relief, as well as infiltration, exfiltration, and re-supply of SOF personnel.
With added special mission equipment options, the C-130J-SOF may also be configured for armed overwatch that includes a 30mm gun and Hellfire missiles, helicopter/fighter/vertical-lift aerial refueling, and Forward Area Refueling Point operations.
“Our global partners said they need to support their SOF teams with a solution that is reliable, affordable, effective, and integrated. They must support their teams in the sky, on the sea, and on the ground,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “International operators want a special missions Super Hercules that’s proven and a true force multiplier. Today, we offer that solution to the world in the form of the C-130J-SOF.”
The C-130J Super Hercules is the airlifter of choice for 17 nations, offering superior performance and capabilities, with the range and versatility for every theater of operations. To date, the global Super Hercules fleet has surpassed more than 1.5 million flight hours.
To learn more about the C-130J, visit
www.lockheedmartin.com/c130
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 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
Lockheed Martin reveals customizable C-130J for international special operators
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/lockheed-reveals-customizable-c-130j-for-international-special-operators
By: Valerie Insinna
Defense News
June 20, 2017
LE BOURGET, France — Lockheed Martin on Tuesday launched a new special operations version of its C-130J Super Hercules specifically meant for international users.
Frese was hesitant to compare the C-130J-SOF with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command’s AC-130 and MC-130, citing customer sensitivities, but compared to a baseline C-130J, the special operations version has more powerful generators and comes equipped with several sensors and communications systems — like an electro-optical/infrared sensor, satellite communications, and wideband data link — that would not normally come already installed. The aircraft is also constructed with additional armoring and provisions for aerial refueling, he said.