Lockheed Martin has been chosen to deliver 50 of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the U.S. government in the coming years. This massive undertaking was made possible through a C-130J Multiyear III award, given by the United States Government on Dec. 27, 2019. The award comes as part of the existing Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract which was previously awarded in August of 2016.
The C-130J Project
The Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin over $1.5 billion in funding for the first 21 C-130J aircraft that are to be delivered over the coming years. “The overall award, worth more than $3 billion, provides Super Hercules aircraft to the U.S. Air Force (24 HC/MC-130Js), Marine Corps (20 KC-130Js) and Coast Guard (options for six HC-130Js).” (prnewswire). Aircraft purchased through this award is expected to be completed between 2021-2025, with construction taking place at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility. The C-130J Super Hercules is the leading standard when it comes to high-end tactical airlift and is suited for a wide range of military and governmental needs. The Super Hercules worldwide fleet current has 2 million flight hours recorded and is the airlift used currently by 20 nations.
Why Lockheed Martin?
“Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services” (Lockheed Martin). Their areas of focus include many which are of interest to political and military industries, including:
Aeronautics– excess of $21.2 billion recorded in 2018 sales, which includes tactical aircraft, airlift, and aeronautical R&D areas of focus.
Missiles – around $8.5 billion in 2018 sales reported, including Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System and PAC-3 Missiles.
Rotary Systems– estimated $14.3 billion for sales in 2018, for military and commercial helicopters, naval systems, simulation training, and more.
Space-impressive $9.8 billion reported 2018 sales, which includes space launches, satellites for commercial and military needs, and strategic missiles.
What the Future Holds
This awarding of the C-130J Multiyear III award to Lockheed Martin stands to benefit not only the company but everyone involved in the deal and the multi-year plan going forward. According to Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin: “Our partnership with the U.S. government provides significant savings through multiyear procurement as compared to annual buys, and provides the best tactical airlifter to crews who fly and support the world’s largest Super Hercules fleet.”