Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has announced a major milestone at the Farnborough International Airshow: the C-130J Super Hercules fleet has surpassed 3 million flight hours. This landmark achievement underscores the aircraft’s exceptional global reach, multi-mission versatility, and dependable tactical performance.
The C-130J fleet, now totaling over 545 aircraft across 21 nations, has accumulated these flight hours across a spectrum of 18 mission types. These missions include combat, transport, aerial refueling, Special Operations, medevac, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, weather reconnaissance, firefighting, and commercial freight delivery.
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line, celebrated the milestone: “From the highest landing strip in the world to the snow-packed runways of Antarctica, these 3 million hours reflect the power and presence of the C-130J’s global fleet. We honor the crews, maintainers, and airlift partners who keep the Super Hercules fleet ready for any mission.”
Since its first flight on April 5, 1996, the C-130J has seen contributions from multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Canada, and many others. This achievement also includes significant contributions from Lockheed Martin Flight Operations and U.S. Air Force Defense Contract Management Agency crews.
The fleet’s 3 million flight hours span across various C-130J variants: the tactical airlifter (C-130J and C-130J-30), tanker (KC-130J), weather reconnaissance (WC-130J), information operations (EC-130J), Special Operations (MC-130J), search and rescue (HC-130J), gunship (AC-130J), and commercial freighter (LM-100J). These hours encompass test, training, and operational missions on all seven continents.
As the C-130J continues to evolve, it sets the standard for tactical airlift missions. Its advantages include high operational readiness, reliability, superior airlift capabilities, interoperability with NATO and global air forces, and reduced life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings. The C-130J’s efficiency contributes to a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters.
To explore why the C-130J remains the preferred choice in tactical airlift, viewers can watch the latest episode of “Into the Cockpit” on Lockheed Martin’s YouTube channel for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Super Hercules.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology leader committed to innovation and scientific discovery. The company’s all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision drive the delivery of transformative technologies to maintain superior readiness and security. For more information, visit LockheedMartin.com.
