The US Air National Guard has received its eighth and final C-130J Super Hercules global transport aircraft, completing the command’s transition from the legacy C-130H fleet.
The aircraft arrived at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base and was welcomed by officials from the 123rd Airlift Wing.
“The C-130J has often been referred to as the stretch model,” 123rd Airlift Wing Commander Col. Bruce Bancroft said.
“This means there are two additional pallet positions for equipment on top of the six pallet positions that are normally associated with what we refer to as legacy C-130s. Well, that’s thousands of pounds of additional combat resupply equipment for our warfighter on every single sortie,” he added.
Alongside warfare utility, the C-130Js will enable rapid aerial logistics to support humanitarian efforts.
“The C-130J delivers the capability to meet that immediate need, be it across the Commonwealth, across the nation or across the ocean,” Bancroft said.
In November, the Air National Guard received its first C-130J to modernize its transport capabilities.
The C-130H models have been operational since 1992. The last aircraft was retired in September 2021.
C-130J Super Hercules
Built by Lockheed Martin, the C-130J Super Hercules uses four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, generating 4,700 horsepower.
It has a payload capacity of more than 44,000 pounds (20,000 kilograms) and a maximum speed of 410 miles (660 kilometers) per hour.
The 112-foot (35-meter) aircraft can carry out missions such as special operations to air cargo transport, taking off and landing from austere runways impossible for other, similar aircraft.
It can carry up to 128 combat troops and medical personnel or 92 fully-equipped paratroopers.
The C-130J includes a digital avionics cockpit, liquid crystal displays, and the latest navigational equipment.