The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) first C-130J-30 Super Hercules has rolled off Lockheed Martin’s production line in Georgia, USA, now sporting its official livery, complete with the RNZAF Kiwi emblem and the 40th Squadron’s marine compass.
This marks the beginning of New Zealand’s air fleet renewal, in line with the $1.5 billion agreement signed by the New Zealand government in 2020. The deal for five new C-130J-30 aircraft aims to replace the aging C-130H Hercules, acquired in 1965. The new Super Hercules units, expected to start delivery to the RNZAF by the end of this year, are notable for their additional 4.5 meters in length and 21-ton payload capacity, enabling the transport of a greater number of pallets.
The new fleet will serve as a first response option for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, as well as for deploying personnel and equipment, both within New Zealand and internationally. The program’s rapid progress is evidenced by the second Hercules also being ready for painting.
To ensure swift service entry, the first group of RNZAF crews for the five C-130J aircraft is currently undergoing training at the US Air Force’s Little Rock Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas. This training, which includes flight and aircrew instructors, will contribute to the development of a C-130J training system in New Zealand once the aircraft are established in the country. New Zealand’s technical personnel responsible for maintaining the new fleet of transport aircraft are also receiving training there.