(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga. - February 27, 2009: Lockheed Martin has been selected by the United Arab Emirates to provide 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to modernize the country's tactical airlift fleet. The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at the IDEX Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service the family has participated in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has also outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants.
The C-130Js to be delivered to the UAE will be the longer C-130J-30 configuration and of similar specification to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The contract to be signed with the UAE will also contain an option for four KC-130J tankers. In addition the contract covers spares and training, including a Weapon Systems Trainer for aircrew training.
"The C-130J is rapidly becoming the tactical airlifter of choice around the world," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130J Business Development. "The C-130J is a highly reliable, versatile and proven airlifter that will greatly increase the UAE's airlift capability. This selection by the UAE makes the tenth country that has selected the C130J and we are excited about the future and the discussions we are having with many other countries."
The UAE currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs that will be retained until the new aircraft enter service.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
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