The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of sustainment and services for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $166 million. The Government of Norway has requested continued sustainment and associated services for four (4) Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircrafts beyond Block 6 through 2028. Included are Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS), aircraft components, spare parts, unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems, telecommunications support, minor modifications, maintenance support, contractor engineering, technical, logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering operational readiness while enhancing air and defense capabilities with a modernized fleet. Norway already has C-130Js and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Marietta, GA. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Norway.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The C-130J is the newest version of the C-130 Hercules, and the only model currently in production. As of March 2022, 500 C-130J aircraft have been delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries. The C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at more than 60 years, with the updated C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced. As a cargo and airlift aircraft, while specialized USAF variants (AC-130J, EC-130J, MC-130J, HC-130J, WC-130J) may have larger crews, such as navigators/Combat Systems Officers or other specialized officer and enlisted air crew.
Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J-model features considerably updated technology. These differences include new Rolls-Royce AE 2100 D3 turboprop engines, Dowty R391 six-bladed composite scimitar propellers that have blade tips swept by 35 degrees, digital avionics (including head-up displays (HUDs) for each pilot), and reduced crew requirements. The U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J uses a crew chief for expeditionary operations. The C-130J’s cargo compartment is approximately 41 feet (12.5 m) long, 9 feet (2.74 m) high, and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide, and loading is from the rear of the fuselage. The aircraft can be configured with the “enhanced cargo handling system”.
