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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.

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10 September 2024

New RNZAF Hercules put straight to work

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, has joined Defence Minister Judith Collins in welcoming the first of the new C-130J Hercules fleet at a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland this morning.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, has joined Defence Minister Judith Collins in welcoming the first of the new C-130J Hercules fleet at a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland this morning.

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15 February 2024

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules gets official livery

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.

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2 February 2023

C130J Training Begins in Little Rock

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.

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