New Zealand Defence Force Minister Ron Mark yesterday confirmed the aging Royal New Zealand Air Force fleet of Lockheed C130H Hercules will ultimately be replaced by a yet to be confirmed number of Lockheed Martin C130J Super Hercules.
The long awaited announcement has provided ample opportunity for debate around the type of aircraft expected to replace the 50+ year old C130's and the Defence Force have investigated the likes of the Boeing C17 Globemaster III, Airbus A400M, Kawasaki C2 and Embraer KC390 as contenders.
However logic has dictated the larger, faster and obviously more modern J model Hercules is the best platform for the RNZAF's future airlift capability. That said, many questions remain around the procurement with no time line mentioned or will the aircraft be factory fresh or refurbished??
The Royal Australian Air Force operates 12 J models with the first being delivered back in September 1999.
The Royal Australian Air Force operates 12 J models with the first being delivered back in September 1999.
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/super-hercules-selected-preferred-option
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130.html
Looking back in time, the current fleet of C130 Hercules procurement was announced just a few days shy of 56 years ago back on 17 June 1963. An initial of 3 aircraft was made at a cost of NZD $9.62M and the first aircraft, NZ7001, was handed over to the RNZAF on 24 March 1965 and arrived in New Zealand three weeks later.
For more on the history of the H models go to
