First Two C-130J Super Hercules Delivered To S. Korea

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) took delivery of first two of four C-130J Super Hercules on March 27.

The ROKAF selected the C-130J Super Hercules in 2010 to supplement its fleet of C-130H legacy aircraft. The aircraft are being delivered in the longer fuselage or ‘stretched’ combat delivery variant.

The new aircraft will bring the ROKAF enhanced heavy airlift capabilities, and improve its ability to support humanitarian missions, such as delivering relief supplies after earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis.

George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs, said: ‘For almost three decades, ROKAF crews have relied on C-130s to support humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in the Pacific Rim region. The arrival of South Korea's new Super Hercules fleet ensures that these critical missions not only will continue, but extend for many more decades the added capabilities only the C-130J can provide.

Lockheed Martin will also provide a two-year support programme to the ROKAF, including C-130J aircrew and maintenance training.