New Zealand to receive five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.

New Zealand's Defense Minister Ron Mark confirmed the purchase of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft on 5 June at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Whenuapai.

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C-130J-30 (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

Defence Minister Ron Mark said : “Last year, cabinet selected these aircraft as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. Procurement of the Super Hercules has been my highest capability priority as Minister of Defence. “Along with the new fleet, the $1.521 billion project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure.”

“The new aircraft will carry a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the current Hercules aircraft,” Minister Mark continued.

“Each aircraft will also be fitted with additional specialist capabilities, including wide bandwidth, high-speed satellite communications system and an electro-optical/infra-red camera.

“This equipment will make our new Super Hercules among the most capable in the world. The satellite communications system will allow imagery, video and data to be streamed in real-time, and the camera allows for aerial surveillance, including at the same time as the aircraft is undertaking transport tasks, particularly useful on humanitarian and disaster relief operations and search and rescue missions.”

The C-130J-30 is a stretch version of the C-130J (Picture source: transairsystems)

The C-130J-30 is a stretch version of the  C-130J, a proven, highly reliable and affordable airlifter. The C-130J-30 adds 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space (two more pallets of equipment) in the cargo compartment.

New Zealand will take delivery of the first aircraft in 2024, with the full fleet operating by 2025.