Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of the 2,700th Hercules, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina. This delivery underscores the Hercules’ enduring role in tactical airlift and air refueling operations worldwide.
The KC-130J, renowned for its versatility and performance, is operated by a global fleet that includes 70 nations and supports a broad spectrum of missions. The current model, the C-130J Super Hercules, is specifically designed to meet a diverse range of operational demands, boasting certifications for 18 different mission requirements.
“The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe,” stated Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business.
A key feature of the KC-130J is its capacity to refuel both rotary wing aircraft and multiple fixed-wing platforms, including the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lighting II fighter aircraft. Its design is optimized for operations at low altitudes and slow speeds, which are essential for effective helicopter refueling.
As the global standard for tactical tankers, the KC-130J leads in adaptability and resilience, continually evolving to meet the demands of both combat and humanitarian missions. The worldwide fleet, consisting of over 540 aircraft, has accumulated nearly three million flight hours. These operations provide Lockheed Martin with critical insights that help pave the way for future innovations in tactical airlift capabilities.
This recent delivery not only marks a production milestone but also highlights the strategic importance of the Hercules fleet in enhancing global air mobility and readiness.