Israel receives first C-130J Super Hercules Published June 27, 2013 By James Branch 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MARIETTA, Ga. -- Air Force officials and Lockheed Martin executives delivered the first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the State of Israel during a ceremony at the manufacturer's Marietta, Ga. production facility, June 26. This is the first of three C-130Js currently on order for the Israeli Air Force. Maj. Gen. Richard Johnston, assistant deputy under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, assisted George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs, Lockheed martin Aeronautics Company, in passing the aircraft's golden key to Aharon Marmarosh, director, Government of Israel Ministry of Defense, Mission to the United States of America. The addition of the C-130J to Israel brings them greater airlift capability, during humanitarian as well as combat operations, said Johnston. It further extends the partnership between the U.S and Israeli Air Force, he added. Fifteen countries have chosen the C-130J Super Hercules to meet their air mobility needs. C-130Js currently are deployed in two combat theaters. In non-combat, and often harsh environments, C-130Js support humanitarian missions such as search and rescue, aerial firefighting and delivering relief supplies after earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis around the world. "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 Shultz. "With its glass cockpit and modern digital avionics, the C-130J has proven it performs in all environments: hot, cold, dirt and sand. This aircraft will serve the IAF as the C-130 always has - anywhere, anytime." Israel ordered its C-130Js through a Foreign Military Sale 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.
