India takes delivery of first C-130J airlifter

Washington: At a ceremony in Marietta, Georgia, Lockheed Martin delivered the first of six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new fleet was ordered under a $1.2 billion US foreign military sale.
This is India's first experience with the C-130 so the package being provided by the US government is comprehensive, a Lockheed Martin statement said.
The contract includes six aircraft, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during a three-year initial support period.
The first two C-130Js will be flown to India early next year and will be followed by the remaining four aircraft deliveries in 2011. The fleet will be based at Hindon Air Force Station on the outskirts of New Delhi.
Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft can perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environments.
The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.
17/12/10 IANS/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2010, New Dec 2010