Monday, August 11, 2008

First C-130J Super Hercules Visit to Canada Since Contract Signing

First C-130J Super Hercules Visit to Canada Since Contract Signing (NSI News Source Info) August 11, 2008: OTTAWA - The Abbotsford Air Show is the first Canadian event to host a C-130J Super Hercules since Lockheed Martin signed a contract with the Government of Canada valued at $1.4 billion to purchase 17 of the world's most advanced tactical airlifters plus related equipment and services. One C-130J Super Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing of the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station will be on display at the Abbotsford Air Show in British Columbia from August 8 through 10. This is the same type of aircraft that will be delivered to the Canadian Forces starting in 2010. Canada has joined the growing number of nations with C-130J fleets-allied operators include the United States, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. "The C-130J is a proven, available, rugged aircraft capable of performing a full spectrum of tactical airlift missions in demanding environments," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin Vice-President for Air Mobility. "We are confident it will become Canada's new workhorse and serve the Canadian Forces well for years to come." The new C-130J generates much greater operational efficiency than the older C-130s, such as Canada's E and H model, by flying farther, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J only requires three crew members for most missions so fewer flight crew members are exposed to potential threats in-theatre. C-130Js are currently deployed in several theatres and are operating at a very high tempo efficiently and reliably. C-130Js are being used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refuelling, ground refuelling and humanitarian relief. "Contract signing began the process of working with the Federal Government and Canadian industry to put a 20-year In-Service Support (ISS) program in place for the new fleet," said Mr. Grant. Lockheed Martin will conduct a series of competitions to select Canadian companies to deliver the ISS capability in Canada. "We look forward to utilizing this acquisition to strengthen our relationship with Canada," added Grant. "It is in that spirit that we will be announcing Canadian partnerships-and the full C-130J Canadian Industrial Team-later this year." Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs approximately 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

No comments: