In a landmark achievement, Lockheed Martin delivered the 2,700th C-130 Hercules on June 18, 2024, a multi-mission tactical airlifter that continues to enhance the global C-130 fleet’s capabilities.
This milestone aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, is now part of the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 at Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The C-130 Hercules is celebrated for its outstanding performance and versatility, serving operators in 70 countries worldwide in a wide array of missions. The current production model, the C-130J Super Hercules, includes the KC-130J tactical tanker variant, which is certified for 18 different mission requirements.
“The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130’s ongoing relevance.”
The KC-130J stands as the benchmark for tactical tankers globally, capable of refueling a majority of rotary wing aircraft in service today, as well as various fixed-wing aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lightning II fighters. Its tactical design allows it to operate at the slow speeds and low altitudes necessary for effective helicopter refueling.
Continuously evolving and innovating, the Super Hercules sets the standard and paves the way for the future of tactical airlift missions, including humanitarian efforts worldwide. The global fleet of C-130Js encompasses 26 operators across 22 countries, boasting over 20 airworthiness certifications. With nearly 3 million flight hours accumulated by more than 540 C-130Js, the fleet has gathered invaluable insights from a vast range of mission scenarios, ensuring readiness for future challenges.