Canada orders 17 C-130J Hercules

From Defense Aerospace

Government of Canada Awards Tactical Airlift Contract

(Source: Public Works and Government Services Canada; issued Jan. 16, 2008)

GATINEAU --- The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, along with the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the government has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Corporation for the acquisition of the Canadian Forces new tactical lift aircraft.

"Canada has long been in dire need of renewed tactical airlift capabilities," said Minister Fortier. "The government is now delivering on commitments it has made to ensure the Canadian Forces are properly equipped with aircraft necessary to support its operations."

"The airlift requirements of the Canadian Forces is a top priority," said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "We are confident that the C-130J will provide Canada with a cost-effective, operations-proven tactical airlift capability."

Tactical airlift is the lifeline of the Canadian Forces, providing reliable aircraft to quickly and safely carry passengers, heavy equipment and supplies over long distances in support of operations, or in response to crises, such as natural disasters.

The purchase contract for 17 C-130J Hercules aircraft is valued at approximately $1.4 billion U.S., with an additional amount to be added in 2009 for at least 20 years of in-service support.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin Corp. is required to invest in the Canadian economy, dollar for dollar, what the Government of Canada spends in procuring and maintaining the aircraft over the life of the contract.

"We are continuing to make sure Canada's aerospace and defence industries obtain maximum benefit so they can build and sustain capacity to support these aircraft over the long-term," Mr. Fortier said. "Under the in-service support portion, the contractor will be required to spend in Canada 75 per cent of the total cost in direct industrial regional benefits – well above the 60-per-cent ratio negotiated by the previous government for purchases of this magnitude."

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, believes Canadian firms will play a significant role in the project's progress. "Through the government's industrial benefits policy, we are delivering maximum, high-quality economic benefits to Canadians while providing the military with the best equipment for its needs," said Mr. Prentice.

Delivery of the first aircraft is expected in winter 2010. (ends)

Lockheed Martin Receives $1.4 Billion Contract for 17 C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft for Canada

(Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; issued Jan. 16, 2008)

MARIETTA, Ga. --- Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with the Government of Canada valued at $1.4 billion for the purchase of 17 C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and related equipment and services.

"We are extremely proud that the C-130J has been selected as Canada's next tactical airlifter. The Super Hercules will be the new workhorse of the Canadian Forces," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces business development. "The C-130J is a proven, available, rugged aircraft capable of performing a full spectrum of tactical airlift missions in demanding environments."

The Canadian Forces' new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the C-130J, similar to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Deliveries to Canada will begin in 2010. Canada joins the growing number of nations with C-130J fleets. Allied operators include the United States, Australia, Demark, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom.

"This contract begins the process for working with Canadian industry to establish a 20-year In-Service Support (ISS) program for the new fleet," said Grant. Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin is required to conduct a series of competitions to select the Canadian companies that will make up the ISS capability in Canada. "We look forward to utilizing this acquisition to further strengthen our relationship with Canada. This program represents an outstanding opportunity to grow the capabilities and expertise of the Canadian aerospace industry," Grant said.

The new C-130J generates much greater operational efficiency than the older C-130s, such as Canada's E and H model, by flying farther, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J only requires three crew members for most missions so fewer flight crew members are exposed to potential threats in-theatre. C-130Js are currently deployed in several theatres and are operating at a very high tempo efficiently and reliably. C-130Js are being used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling and humanitarian relief.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs over 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.