MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 30, 2012 – Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] C-130 Hercules program has reached yet another historic milestone with the delivery of its 2400th aircraft. The aircraft is an MC-130J Combat Shadow II assigned to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command and will be operated by the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

The delivery of this aircraft follows a record year for C-130J production at the company’s facility in Marietta, Ga. In 2011, 33 C-130J Super Hercules were delivered ? a new production record for the C-130J model. Aircraft were delivered in six different configurations for six operators: the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, U.S. Marine Corps, Canada, India and Qatar.

The C 130 production line in Marietta is the longest continuously operating military aircraft production line in history.

“As we start a new year it is only fitting that the C-130 breaks yet another record and sets a new milestone,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. “The C-130 is the benchmark for airlift around the world and we look forward to this year being another year of excellence for our world-wide customers.”

C-130J aircraft are currently in production for the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, Iraq, Israel, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Oman and Tunisia. C-130Js are also flown by Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Italy, Norway, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Photo: Rob Vogelaar, Z.A.P.P.