Canada gave Lockheed Martin [LMT] a $1.4 billion order for 17 of the C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and other items, according to the company.
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, Lockheed Martin stated.
Further, the C-130J flies with a smaller crew of three.
C-130Js are currently deployed in several theatres and are used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling and humanitarian relief, according to the company.
“We are extremely proud that the C-130J has been selected as Canada’s next tactical airlifter [to become] the new workhorse of the Canadian forces,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for air mobility and special operations forces business development.
The new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage, stretched variant of the C-130J, similar to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Deliveries to Canada will begin in 2010. Canada joins the growing number of nations with C-130J fleets. Allied operators include the United States, Australia, Demark, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom.