The Royal New Zealand Air Force will operate a
total of five C-130Js
MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- A new era of tactical airlift capability for
New Zealand has officially begun
with Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivering the first of five
C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the New Zealand
Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force during a ceremony
at the Lockheed Martin's facility in Marietta, Georgia, on Aug. 8.
For almost six decades, the Royal New Zealand Air Force's
(RNZAF) C-130Hs have served as essential first-response resources
for New Zealand and the entire
Indo-Pacific region. Crews from 40 Squadron located at RNZAF Base
Auckland, Whenuapai, will operate the new C-130Js, representing one
of the most advanced configurations of the Super Hercules ever
produced.
"From supporting humanitarian and disaster relief operations to
partnering with allies in military operations, New Zealand's C-130s are truly a global force
for good," said Rod McLean, vice
president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility
& Maritime Missions line of business. "The RNZAF's new C-130J
fleet will continue to support these critical missions while
offering New Zealand increased
allied alignment, greater reach, enhanced capabilities and proven
performance for some of the most demanding tactical airlift
operational requirements."
New Zealand officials announced
the intent to modernize its existing fleet of five C-130Hs with
five C-130J-30 variants in 2020 via a Foreign Military Sale with
the U.S. Air Force. A joint project team with personnel from
New Zealand's Ministry of Defence
and the New Zealand Defence Force have worked alongside the U.S.
Air Force and Lockheed Martin to manage the aircraft delivery and
training programs.
Always evolving, continually innovating and ready for what's
next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and
shaping the future of tactical airlift missions, offering a
multitude of advantages found in no other medium-sized tactical
airlifter in production or operation today.
These discriminators include 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.
The C-130J also delivers unmatched interoperability
with NATO and global air forces, robust industrial
partnerships and verified low life-cycle costs with significant
fuel savings resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to
other medium-sized jet airlifters.
See how and why the C-130J continues to be the worldwide choice
in tactical airlift through the newest episode of "Into the
Cockpit" on Lockheed Martin's YouTube channel, which
offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Super Hercules.
For more information, visit
www.lockheedmartin.com/c130.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving
innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain
mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the
delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve
always stay ahead of ready. More information at
Lockheedmartin.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
