Lockheed Martin has delivered its 2,700th C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, will be operated by the USMC Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, which is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
“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 variant is a tactical tanker that can refuel both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Its design allows it to fly at low speeds and altitudes, ideal for helicopter refueling.
The C-130 Hercules, the workhorse of tactical transport
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 Hercules is designed to perform a wide range of operations, including troop transport, cargo airlift, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling.
68 years after its introduction, the C-130 remains a versatile and reliable aircraft used by military forces in more than 70 countries. Its capacity to land on unprepared runways and operate in challenging environments makes it essential for various military and humanitarian missions worldwide.
The current production model, the C-130J Super Hercules, features advanced avionics, enhanced flight performance, and increased payload capacity. The global C-130J fleet consists of 26 operators from 22 nations, with a combined total of over three million flight hours.
In March 2024, the US Air Force decided not to equip the AC-130J Ghostrider, a gunship variant of the Hercules, with a high-energy laser weapon due to technical challenges.