The C-130J Super Hercules, a stalwart of military aviation, has achieved a monumental milestone: three million collective flight hours. This remarkable feat, announced by Lockheed Martin at the Farnborough International Airshow, underscores the aircraft’s unparalleled endurance and versatility.
Since its maiden voyage in 1996, the Super Hercules has changed into a global workhorse, serving 21 nations in countless missions, from combat and transport to search and rescue. With over 545 aircraft in service, this achievement equates to a combined flight time exceeding 342 years, a testament to the Super Hercules’ enduring legacy.
While the impressive flight hour tally includes both operational and training missions, it underscores the C-130J Super Hercules’ remarkable capabilities.
Alternatively, a concise overview highlights the Super Hercules as a formidable four-engine turboprop, boasting Rolls-Royce engines delivering a combined 18,800 horsepower.
With a substantial size of 112 feet in length and a 132-foot wingspan, this aircraft can operate from diverse terrains, including unprepared runways. Its impressive lift capacity of 164,000 pounds, including a 46,700-pound payload, surpasses its predecessor by 30 percent.
This translates to increased troop and cargo carriage, including Container Delivery System bundles. However, this formidable asset comes with a hefty price tag of $75.5 million per unit in 2017 fiscal year dollars. The U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve collectively operate a fleet of 327 Super Hercules aircraft.
