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Lockheed Martin has effectively built an aircraft that will pay for itself over its life cycle
Operating and support costs are reduced by up to 36%
Flight and maintenance manpower is reduced by up to 50%
Maintenance man-hours per flight hour are decreased by up to 68%
System reliability and maintainability are improved by up to 50%
The C-130J is built for performance and supportability. All of its enhancements and technological improvements, along with the materials used in construction, were motivated by the single-minded aim of increasing efficiency, and lowering operating and maintenance costs. Thanks to advancements in design and construction, investment in the C-130J will deliver significant savings.
The cargo area is improved with the addition of the Enhanced Cargo Handling System, reducing load-master workload, decreasing times for configuration changes, and assisting in very precise airdrops.
A 1553 data bus, two mission computers, and two back-up bus interface units provide dual system redundancy. In addition, the computers provide for an integrated diagnostics system that monitors and records the status of the aircraft’s structure and systems.
The J’s two-person, state-of-the-art flight station is fully-digital and includes four multi functional LCD displays, two holographic Head-Up Displays, and electronic, digital readouts for aircraft flight controls and operating and navigating systems. The displays and general aircraft lighting are Night Vision Imaging System compatible.
Fewer personnel are required to operate the J. It can be flown with a flight crew of two and one load-master as opposed to the five to seven person crews normally required for older C-130 models.
A new propulsion system featuring four powerful Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines (4,591 SHP each) and Dowty R391 all-composite, six-blade propellers generate 29% more thrust while increasing fuel efficiency. The under-wing, external fuel tanks that are such a familiar feature of previous C-130 models are no longer necessary on the C-130J.
In essence, all that stays is the airframe design. But even here, there’s been innovation. Composite materials are used to make the aircraft lighter and more resistant to wear, and anti-corrosion coatings are applied to prolong the life of key parts.
Farther: The J flies farther with less fuel – up to 40% greater range than the C-130E.
Higher: The J flies higher – cruising altitude is increased by 40% over the C-130E.
Faster: The J is faster and climbs more quickly – 21% more speed and time-to-climb reduced by 50% over the C-130E.
The C-130J may resemble the old workhorse, but it has been completely reengineered to be the most technologically advanced airlifter available in the world today. Lockheed Martin has upgraded virtually every system, component and structural part of the new Super Hercules to make it more capable, more durable, more productive, easier to maintain and less expensive to operate.
-U.S. Secretary of Defense, August 2005
“It’s (C-130J) just been doing a terrific job in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a work horse aircraft that’s been around a long time. The newer versions, we’re interested in getting them there and getting them engaged.”
Canada’s New Workhorse | CC-130J
