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Lockheed Martin Delivers Final Super Hercules to New Zealand Air Force

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The Royal New Zealand Air Force has received the fifth and final C-130J-30 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin as part of a US foreign military sale to replace the service’s C-130H fleet.

It will be operated by the 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai, where it will be deployed for moving troops and tactical equipment in support of domestic and overseas missions.

Lockheed handed over the first Super Hercules under the 1.5-billion-dollar ($844.2-million) program in August, the second and third in September, and the fourth in November.

C-130J Super Hercules. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force
C-130J Super Hercules planes. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

“The arrival of the fifth Hercules is a significant milestone for the team, who have been working hard to bring all the aircraft home before Christmas – ahead of schedule, on budget and to specification,” New Zealand Capability Delivery Deputy Secretary Sarah Minson stated.

“From the moment the first C-130J arrived in September, the aircraft have been put to work and are already proving their value as a national asset.”

“They have made a number of successful flights to Antarctica, carrying cargo to support the work of the New Zealand and United States scientific research programmes at Scott Base and McMurdo Station. They have also made multiple flights to deliver mission critical supplies and personnel across New Zealand and the Pacific region.”

The completion of Wellington’s Super Hercules systems will be followed by the delivery of a flight simulator to RNZAF Base Auckland in 2025 that will help the fleet’s aircrew prepare for future transport flights.

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30

The C-130J-30 is a stretched version of Lockheed’s C-130J Super Hercules base hull model, adding 15 feet (5 meters) of length compared to its predecessor’s fuselage.

It is powered by four Rolls-Royce engines with about 4,600 horsepower each for a flight speed of 410 miles (660 kilometers) per hour, an altitude of 26,000 feet (7,925 meters), and a range of 2,100 nautical miles (2,417 miles/3,889 kilometers).

The aircraft can carry up to 128 troops or approximately 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) of payload.

C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft
C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

Two Additional New Zealand Super Hercules Arrive in Whenuapai

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Rojoef Manuel – October 1, 2024

 

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has accepted its second and third C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft at Base Auckland, Whenuapai.

The planes were flown by C-130 developer Lockheed Martin from its US center in Marietta, Georgia, and were received by Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb on behalf of the service.

Wellington noted that the platforms carried spares, propellers, engines, and a towing arm to support future operations in the country. Their journey was also observed for the program’s continuing trial and development works.

Tactical Airlifter Modernization

RNZAF procured its latest airborne assets through a 1.5-billion New Zealand dollar ($950.4 million) US foreign military sale to replace the service’s C-130Hs that have been operational since the 1960s.

Under the program, Wellington ordered five C-130J platforms, associated equipment, and flight simulators. Lockheed Martin delivered the country’s initial Super Hercules in August. The final pair is expected later this year.

The RNZAF’s Auckland-based 40 Squadron will manage and sustain the new fleet upon fielding.

Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a ceremony in Base Auckland. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force
Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a ceremony in Base Auckland. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

“The entire team will be getting straight down to business after the aircraft arrive with flights already scheduled around New Zealand and down to Antarctica for the summer season,” Webb remarked.

“The aircraft marks a once-in-a-generation change for No. 40 Squadron and it will continue the work of its predecessor, the C-130H, which was a powerhouse for New Zealand military aviation.”

‘Significant Investment’

The government highlighted that the RNZAF’s new cargo fleet will take on missions with “more power” compared to its predecessor, enhancing the force’s personnel and equipment transport capability for deployments locally, across the Pacific, and internationally.

“They are a significant Government investment in New Zealand’s ability to respond to national and international emergencies, whether they be natural humanitarian disasters or providing support in areas of conflict,” Webb said.

The Super Hercules

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J has a 98-foot (30-meter) long fuselage, a 133-foot (40-meter wingspan, and a 41-foot (12-meter) cargo bay.

It is powered by four 4,637-horsepower Rolls-Royce AE engines for a top speed of 417 miles (670 kilometers) per hour, a service ceiling of 40,386 feet (12,309 meters), and a range of 2,071 miles (3,334 kilometers).

The aircraft’s logistics function is supported by its capacity for approximately 90 warfighters or 42,000-pound (19,051-kilogram) payloads.

aircraftC-130C-130J HerculesLockheed Martinmilitary transport aircraftNew ZealandRoyal New Zealand Air Forcetransport

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