Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth up to $1.9 billion to continue providing training system support for the C-130J Super Hercules used by the United States Armed Forces and allied operators. The contract includes the production, modernization, sustainment, and operational support of training devices designed for aircrew and maintenance personnel, along with broader training system services.
Program activities will be coordinated through the Training System Support Center and carried out at several military bases in the United States, including Little Rock Air Force Base and Dyess Air Force Base. Additional work will also take place at international locations such as Ramstein Air Base and Yokota Air Base. The contract is scheduled to run through February 2039.
The C-130J Super Hercules is a medium-sized tactical airlift platform capable of transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across a wide range of operational missions. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 164,000 pounds (74,389 kilograms), an empty operating weight of approximately 88,252 pounds (40,030 kilograms), and a maximum payload capacity of about 46,700 pounds (21,183 kilograms).
At a landing weight of 135,000 pounds (61,235 kilograms), the aircraft requires roughly 3,000 feet (914 meters) of runway to land. When carrying a payload of 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), it can achieve an operational range of around 2,160 nautical miles (4,000 kilometers).
Several specialized variants have been developed from the base C-130J platform to support specific mission roles. Earlier this year, the United States Coast Guard received its 18th HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft. The platform is equipped with the Minotaur Mission System suite along with Coast Guard-specific radar, sensor, and communications systems.
