Introducing the C130J

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.

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.

Five C-130-J have been purchased for the Royal New Zealand Air Force to replace the current C-130 Hercules. The new aircraft are on track for delivery next year.

The bulkhead signing ceremony on 11 May (US time) signified significant progress and the formal commencement of New Zealand’s new C-130 fleet through production. Attendees were able to tour the factory floor and see the aircraft take shape as components of the fuselage were bought together.

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.