Israel Takes Delivery Of First C-130J Super Hercules

Lockheed Martin has delivered Israel's first of three C-130J Super Hercules currently on order for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). 

The IAF has bestowed the nickname "Shimshon" on its C-130Js. Shimshon is Hebrew for Samson, who was a judge and leader for the people of Israel. Samson's mother called him Shimshon, which is derived from the Hebrew word for sun, because she felt he was destined to be as bright and mighty as the sun and would deliver the Jewish people from their enemies. 

"Israel's new C-130J builds on the tradition of its predecessors and offers the IAF unique capabilities that are not only proven, but without equal," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 programs at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. "With its glass cockpit and modern digital avionics, the C-130J has proven it performs in all environments: hot, cold, dirt and sand. Shimshon will serve the IAF as the C-130 always has — anywhere, anytime." 

Israel ordered its C-130Js through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract with the U.S. Government. Upon delivery, this aircraft will move into a modification program and receive Israeli-unique systems. 
An in-country delivery for this C-130J is scheduled for spring 2014. 

In non-combat — but equally harsh environments — C-130Js are often the first to support humanitarian missions such as search and rescue, aerial firefighting in the U.S., and delivering relief supplies after earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis around the world.