First
F
First Engine Run
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J for India ran engines for the first time recently. It is now preparing for its maiden flight sometime this month
Photographs: Lockheed Martin
T
he first C-130J for India ran engines for the first time on September 21. The tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin is being prepared for its maiden flight sometime this month. The Indian Air Force is expected to take deliveries of the first two C-130J in February 2011 and the remaining four by the year end, in a deal of around $1 billion (`4,60,000 crore). India will be joining crews from the United States, Australia, Denmark, Italy and the United Kingdom which are flying the C-130J. The programme for India includes six C-130Js, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spare parts, and ground support and test equipment. Also included is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase the Special Operations capabilities. The C-130J Super Hercules, according to Lockheed Mar-
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tin, is the world’s most advanced tactical airlifter. Designed and developed with mission flexibility in mind— combat delivery, air-to-air refueling, special operations, disaster relief and humanitarian missions—the C-130J has a unique mix of agility and performance to consistently operate at very high tempo operations efficiently and reliably. The aircraft’s distinctive air-to-air refueling probe is over the left side of the cockpit. The C-130J Super Hercules is the only airlifter with the range and flexibility for emerging theatres and evolving concepts of operation. SP —SP’s Aviation News Desk E-mail your comments to: letters@spsaviation.net www.spsaviation.net