The New Zealand government has confirmed plans to buy five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft for NZ$1.52 billion ($990.6 million).
Along with the new fleet, the mega C-130 project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure. The aircraft and simulator are being acquired through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales process as part of a package that includes aircrew and maintainer training.
The new aircraft will carry a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the current Hercules aircraft. Each aircraft will also be fitted with additional specialist capabilities, including a wide bandwidth, high speed satellite communications system and an electro-optical/infra-red camera. The satellite communications system will allow imagery, video and data to be streamed in real time, and the camera allows for aerial surveillance, including at the same time as the aircraft is undertaking transport tasks, useful for humanitarian and disaster relief operations and search and rescue missions.
The first of the new Hercules will be delivered in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025, allowing for a phased retirement of the current fleet.