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ILA 2008: Lockheed Martin reveals next generation C-130J Hercules variant

Tue, 2008-06-03 20:12 — doug

ILA 2008: Lockheed Martin reveals next generation C-130J Hercules variant - Lockheed Martin used ILA 2008, Berlin's air show to reveal its latest version of the new-generation C-130J Hercules.

The HC/MC-130J is a tailored common core special operations variant intended to replace all of the ‘Heritage Herc’ types now used by the USAF’s Special Operations Command.

These include HC-130N and HC-130Ps, and MC-130Es, MC-130Ps and MC-130Hs, used in the CSAR (combat search and rescue) and special forces roles.

In the more distant future, Lockheed hopes that this common core airframe will form the basis of a gunship to replace existing AC-130s.

The new aircraft has been developed using company funds in order to meet the USAF’s ambitious target for service entry, though an official acquisition decision memorandum for 68 aircraft has now been issued to replace the older MC-130E and MC-130P and HC-130P aircraft. The overa [Flight Global]