Lockheed Martin delivers its 400th C-130J Super Hercules.

On February 9, Lockheed Martin delivered its 400th C-130J Super Hercules. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft. This aircraft is assigned to the USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Lockheed Martin delivered the 400th C-130J aircraft #16-5835 to the USAF on February 9, 2018

(Picture source: Lockheed Martin Photo by Amanda Mills)

The J version currently manufactured is the last model of the C-130 series which is operated by 17 countries. To date, the global fleet of C-130Js has surpassed more than 1.7 million flight hours supporting almost any mission requirement. As already said in World War 2 by the 1st Air Commando Group on the China-Burma-India theater of operations and later by the Air Transport Command: “Anything, Any time, Any place”.

C130.net reports a comment made on that occasion: "We celebrate this accomplishment with our employees, industry partners and the Super Hercules operator community that spans 17 countries," said George Shultz, vice-president and general manager for Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "These first 400 C-130Js meet a global demand for the proven performance and unmatched versatility found only in a Super Hercules. Its durability, relevancy and capability will continue to set the C-130J apart as the world's choice in tactical airlift for decades to come."

The C-130J is defined by its versatility. To date, the C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations to include transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refueling.

This aircraft has another distinction in addition to being the 400th C-130J delivered: it is the 13th MC-130J to be converted into an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It will be assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J that provides close-air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.