The first Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules has finally been delivered to the Royal Air Force, the launch customer. The aircraft was handed over at a ceremony at the main operating base in Lyneham, Wiltshire, on 23 November. The original delivery was intended for 1996. Lockheed Martin paid heavy penalty charges to the UK Ministry of Defence in May last year for running over schedule. The RAF has 25 Hercules on order and expects all the aircraft by mid-2001. Replacement of the remaining Hercules is due to be decided early next year, with contenders including the C-130J, Airbus Military Company A400M and Boeing C-17 Globemaster.C-130Js have also been delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force and the US Air Force Reserve.
Source: Flight International
