Introducing the C-130J

In 2020 the New Zealand government signed a $1.5 billion deal for five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules planes. The current C-130H fleet dates back as far as 1965. A C-130J Super Hercules has a wingspan of 40 metres and weighs 34 tonnes. The aircraft is designed to operate from short or unprepared airstrips.

The Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, has welcomed news of the debut flights of NZ7011, the first of our five C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet.

Three test flights have taken place over Georgia and Alabama in the past few days, with the first, flying from Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia, in the air for over three hours and covering nearly 1000 kilometres.

AVM Webb said that the new fleet will take the Air Force’s air mobility capability to the next level.

“The iconic C-130H has been a fantastic aircraft for us for a very long time, across a huge range of tasks and environments. The C-130J will deliver everything that its predecessor does, and more – it has greater range, speed and capacity.

“It is a proven performer flown by many Air Forces, starting with the Royal Australian Air Force, which will enhance our interoperability with our closest Defence partner. These new aircraft takes us another step towards honing the modern Air Force as combat-capable, deployable and sustainable. They bring air mobility to the same cutting edge as our new P-8A Poseidon aircraft deliver for air surveillance and maritime patrol, and as our high-performing rotary wing assets.”

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The new fleet will deliver benefits to personnel in much of the Air Force, AVM Webb said.

“They will enhance career opportunities and progression in many of our trades and roles, and help us to achieve the resilience and readiness across the board which are key goals for us.

“We look forward to seeing NZ7011 and the rest of the fleet in New Zealand skies, starting later this year,” he said.

Read more about the C-130J project here.

Watch the C1-30J take flight

C-130J-30 Super Hercules first flight

The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules to come off the Lockheed Martin production line in Georgia, United States has received its official livery - featuring the RNZAF Kiwi Roundel and No. 40 Squadron’s mariner's compass.

New Zealand's first C-130J Hercules aircraft has been painted, marking a significant milestone in the project to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Hercules fleet.

The first phase of construction of New Zealand’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules flight simulator has been completed in Canada.

Representatives from New Zealand, defence personnel and senior staff from Lockheed Martin, gathered at the Marietta factory in Georgia, USA this week to celebrate a major milestone in the C-130-J project.

New Zealand’s fleet of C-130H Hercules have been a visible presence in the skies around Aotearoa and further afield since 1965.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will officially retire the first of its Lockheed C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft this week.

Team Little Rock recently received 16 maintenance members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) who have commenced training at Little Rock Air Force Base in preparation for the arrival of five new C-130J-30 Hercules in 2024.

Lockheed Martin has locked in a $38-million deal to supply C-130J Super Hercules Weapons System Trainers to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.