The Georgia Air National Guard has received its first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters from defense giant Lockheed Martin.
The new jet builds on a tradition of Hercules operation for the 165th Airlift Wing, which received its first model in 1975 and has been operating many versions of the military transport aircraft since.
Manufactured in Marietta, Georgia, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is the “stretch version” of the C-130J, adding 15 feet (4.6 meters) of cargo space.
“Today’s delivery is another symbol of Lockheed Martin’s long-term commitment to the Hercules’ home state,” Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions VP Rod McLean said.
“On behalf of our 6,000+ Georgia employees, it is an honor to deliver this Georgia-built, Georgia-flown aircraft to Savannah’s 165th Airlift Wing.”
The C-130J Super Hercules
The Georgia Air National Guard is the first to receive the Block 8.1 configuration during its initial production.
The latest configuration improves interoperability across the fleet, “with features such as a new flight management system, enhanced navigation and inter-communication systems and updated friend-or-foe identification,” Lockheed wrote.
The Hercules is operated by 26 operators in 22 nations, with Lockheed delivering more than 530 C-130J Super Hercules in 18 mission variants.
“The future is now, and the Georgia National Guard is more prepared than ever to answer the call with the cutting-edge, C-130J Super Hercules-enabled airlift,” Maj. Gen. Tom Carden of the Georgia Department of Defense said.
“I’m so proud of the Airmen at 165th Airlift Wing and thankful to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.”