Marietta, Ga., Feb. 21, 2024 — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a global leader in aerospace, defense, and security, proudly announces the delivery of the first of four C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters equipped with the Block 8.1 upgrade to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). This delivery marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Super Hercules’ interoperability in the Nordic region and across Europe. The RNoAF’s fleet, which received its Super Hercules aircraft between 2008 and 2012, plays a crucial role in a range of tactical missions.
Advanced Capabilities through Block 8.1 Upgrade
The Block 8.1 upgrade introduces a suite of software and hardware enhancements that significantly boost the aircraft’s global operational capabilities. Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, is tasked with retrofitting the RNoAF’s existing fleet with this upgrade, ensuring they remain at the forefront of tactical airlift technology. The enhancements include:
- A new flight management system that complies with CNS/ATM mandates, including vertical navigation with coupled auto throttle
- Civil GPS
- Ground power modes
- Updated Identification Friend or Foe
- CNS/ATM Data Link
- Enhanced inter-communication system
- Enhanced approach and landing systems
- Expanded diagnostics
- Improved PA system
- Additional covert lighting
- IAMSAR compliant search pattern programming
Global Reach and Tactical Versatility
Norway’s C-130J-30s, known for their robustness, support a wide array of mission requirements, including personnel and equipment transport, humanitarian operations, aeromedical airlift, Special Operations, cold weather operations, and natural disaster relief. As a long-time Hercules operator, the RNoAF has significantly contributed to the C-130J Super Hercules program, being the first Foreign Military Sale recipient of this model.
The C-130J Super Hercules, preferred by 26 operators in 22 nations, stands out among medium jet cargo transports for its superior short-field takeoff and landing performance, lower fuel consumption, reduced carbon footprint, increased range, and unmatched pallet and passenger capacity. With over 540 units delivered and certified by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, the Super Hercules fleet has amassed almost 3 million flight hours, a testament to its reliability and the trust placed in it by various air forces, including the RNoAF.