Lockheed Martin, one of the World’s largest defense contractors, recently delivered the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force (IDAF), marking a new era for the Southeast Asian nation, which has been a longtime C-130 operator.

In recent years, the IDAF has been striving to modernize and expand its transport aircraft fleet. Among the models in their current fleet are several variants of the C-130 Hercules, including the C-130H and C-130B. These aircraft have been the backbone of the IDAF’s transport operations since the 1960s, providing critical airlift capabilities for troops, cargo, and humanitarian aid. From mobilizing its armed forces and supplies to remote areas of Indonesia to supporting disaster relief efforts, the C-130 Hercules has proven a reliable workhorse for the IDAF.

The arrival of the C-130J-30 aircraft could offer several benefits to the service, including improved performance, avionics, and mission capabilities. With greater speed, range, and cargo capacity, the C-130J-30 could provide the IDAF with enhanced airlift capabilities and flexibility for various missions. Additionally, the aircraft’s advanced technology could offer potential cost savings over time, with improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance requirements. Not to mention the ease of interoperability with other countries as NATO countries and allies likewise operate Super Hercules, a valuable commonality, especially during disaster response and humanitarian relief operations.

Rod McLean, Lockheed’s Vice President and General Manager of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions programs at Lockheed Martin, expressed his confidence in the IDAF’s use of the C-130 for challenging missions in Indonesia and other Pacific nations.

He noted that the introduction of the new era of Super Hercules operations will provide the IDAF with a highly tailored airlift fleet, enabling IDAF crews to carry out any task with greater power, strength, and capability, ensuring mission success for decades to come.

“This new era of Super Hercules operations supports Indonesia in achieving mission success with a highly tailored airlift fleet,” McLean said in a press statement.

Overall, the C-130J-30 would represent a significant step forward for the IDAF, modernizing its transport fleet and providing a more capable platform for its operational needs.

A Reliable Workhorse Since The 1960s

As mentioned, Indonesia has long been a loyal operator of multiple C-130 military transport aircraft variants, which Lockheed Martin developed primarily for the US Air Force in the early 1950s.

After its introduction into service with the US Air Force, other countries showed interest in procuring the military aircraft as it demonstrated its versatility and reliability in different missions, including cargo and troop transport, aerial refueling, and search and rescue operations. It also played a vital role in peacekeeping support around the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia has been using several variants of the C-130 Hercules, including the C-130Hs and C-130Bs. The service has used C-130Hs primarily for transport missions, including airlifting troops, cargo, and humanitarian aid to remote areas in the country.

Moreover, the aircraft have been used for disaster relief efforts, such as in the aftermath of the 2018 Lombok earthquake. Meanwhile, the C-130B models are used for special missions, such as aerial refueling, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These aircraft have been modified with various sensors and equipment to support these missions.

C-130J Reflection
A US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft (Image source: DVIDS)

The Extended C-130J Model

The C-130J-30 is an extended model of the renowned C-130J transport aircraft. By extending the fuselage by 15 feet, the C-130J-30 can accommodate two additional pallets of equipment, increasing the available space in the freight compartment.

For its technical specifications, the Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop aircraft with a maximum takeoff of 164,000 pounds (74,393 kilograms) and can carry up to 44,000 lbs (19,958 kg), or about 128 fully equipped combat troops or 92 paratroopers.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules has a length of over 112 feet (34.69 meters) and a wingspan of around 132 ft (40 m) and is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines, each providing up to 4,700 horsepower. It can operate at a maximum speed of 356 knots true airspeed (410 mph) and has a range of 1,956 miles (1,700 nautical miles). In addition, the extended Super Hercules can operate up to a ceiling of 26,000 ft (8,000 m), carrying a payload of 44,500 lbs (20,227 kg).

According to Lockheed, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules became a preferred option for tactical airlift worldwide, with 26 operators in 22 countries—including the US, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among many others—relying on it. With over 520 C-130Js delivered, it remains unparalleled in its capacity to meet 18 unique mission demands.

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Looking to delve deeper into this iconic and versatile airlifter? Check out C-130 Hercules: A History by Martin W Bowman here!