First C-130J Aircraft Delivered to Royal New Zealand Air Force

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MOD) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) on August 8, 2024, during a ceremony at their facility in Marietta, Georgia. This delivery marks the beginning of New Zealand's $NZ1.5 billion (approximately $902.3 million USD) program to replace its aging C-130H(NZ) fleet, which has been operational since the 1960s.

The newly delivered aircraft, designated NZ7011, first took flight in April 2024 and is part of a contract signed in 2020 under the US foreign military sales program. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will operate the new C-130Js under the supervision of 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland. These aircraft are set to take over the roles previously held by the older C-130H fleet across New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific region.

The C-130J Super Hercules is a modern, versatile aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and military operations in collaboration with allies. Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, Rod McLean, emphasized the new fleet's enhanced capabilities, noting that they offer New Zealand increased alignment with allies, greater operational reach, and proven performance in demanding tactical airlift operations.

The C-130J is a powerful and advanced aircraft, measuring 97.9 feet in length, with a wingspan of 132.7 feet, and a cargo bay length of 41 feet. It can carry up to 90 people or payloads weighing up to 42,000 pounds. Powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines, each delivering 4,637 horsepower, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 362 knots, with a range of 1,800 nautical miles and an operational altitude of up to 40,386 feet.

In addition to the aircraft, the program includes corresponding flight simulators and supporting capabilities, with the construction of associated training platforms initiated in Montreal, Canada, in 2023. Lockheed Martin also accepted a $38-million contract in 2022 to deliver another simulator to train future C-130J aircrew, ensuring comprehensive training and readiness for the RNZAF’s new fleet.

The RNZAF’s C-130J fleet will continue to support New Zealand’s global missions, from humanitarian assistance to military operations, enhancing the country's defense capabilities and its role in international security.