Lockheed Martin [LMT] unveiled plans for the latest variant of its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft developed specifically for use by Special Operations Forces (SOF) at the Paris Air Show on June 20.
The C-130J SOF is the tenth variant of the multi-mission aircraft and is built for supporting international military operations requirements, including executing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities and providing airdrop resupply.
“The C-130J’s inherent versatility is capable of supporting missions across a broad spectrum of military operations, and this is amplified once again with the C-130J-SOF,” Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Orlando Carvalho said in a statement. “As our global partners face increasing and evolving threats that transcend borders, they want a proven solution. The C-130J-SOF, is in fact, the solution that will ensure security is preserved around the world.”
New configurations for this latest C-130J redesign include an armed overwatch with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, helicopter and vertical lift aerial refueling abilities, and Forward Area Refueling Point operational components.
“Our global partners said they need to support their SOF teams with a solution that is reliable, affordable, effective and integrated. They must support their teams in the sky, on the sea and on the ground,” Vice President and General Manager of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions for Lockheed Martin George Shultz said in a statement. “International operators want a special missions Super Hercules that’s proven and a true force multiplier. Today, we offer that solution to the world in the form of the C-130J-SOF.”