수송기 2,700번째 C-130 허큘리스 인도

[위종민]

6월 18일 록히드 마틴이 미해병대에 KC-130J를 인도했는데 이게 1954년 첫비행 후 2,700번째로 인도된 기체네요. 

수량도 수량이지만 70년간 개량되고 생산되는 것도 대단합니다. 현 모델인 C-130J는 540여 기가 운용중이고 비행시간은 300만 시간이 넘었다고 하네요. 

https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/lockheed-martin-delivers-2700th-hercules/?cf-view

Lockheed Martin delivers 2,700th Hercules - Airforce Technology

Lockheed Martin delivers 2,700th Hercules

Lockheed Martin delivered its 2,700th Hercules multi-mission tactical air-lifter, an airframe that saw its maiden flight in 1954.

Andrew Salerno-GarthwaiteJune 19, 2024

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A US Air Force C-130 Hercules climbs sharply as it releases its huge load of supplies in a major parachute drop, Vietnam, 1967. (Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images)

On 18 June 2024, Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the 2,700th Hercules multi-mission tactical air-lifter, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, to be operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 252.

The C-130 Hercules aircraft family is used by 70 nations, worldwide, with the  latest production model, the C-130J Super Hercules, supporting 18 different mission requirements.

The maiden flight of the C-130 Hercules was in 1954. The aircraft measures 29.3 metres (m) in length and 11.4m in height, with a wing-span of 39.7m. It has a maximum gross take-off weight of 79,380kg, and a cargo volume of the aircraft is 4,551 cubic feet.

The KC-130J features modern aerial refuelling capabilities and is designed based on the C-130 Hercules tanker technology. The KC-130J variant is capable of refuelling numerous rotary wing aircraft and fixed-wing aircraft, including the F-35B/C Lightning II. It can be integrated with modular systems for providing close air support to troops and conducting multi-sensor image reconnaissance. 

Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, highlighted the significance of this delivery, emphasising the aircraft’s role in enhancing the USMC’s capabilities and its adaptability to diverse missions: “The Lockheed Martin team is honoured to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe.” 

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“Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130’s ongoing relevance,” added McLean.

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The KC-130J’s design allows it to operate at slow speeds and low altitudes, ideal for helicopter refuelling. The Super Hercules fleet plays a role in tactical airlift missions and humanitarian operations worldwide. 

The C-130J fleet, with over 540 aircraft and nearly 3 million flight hours, continues to gain invaluable insights, ensuring its readiness for future challenges.

[백선호]

앞으로 언제까지 더 만들지 궁금하네요.

에어버스는 아래와 같이 C-130J 흉을 봤는데 정작 더 팔리는 것은 C-130J죠.

[위종민]

대충 1980년대 후반에 나온 리더스 다이제스트에서 C-130을 낡았지만 믿을만한 비행기라고 소개한 기사를 오래 전에 본 적이 있는데 그 뒤로 30년이 더 지나도록 생산이 되네요 ㅎㅎㅎ

[강준구]

헬기로는 유사하게 CH-47과 CH-53이 있습니다. 특히 CH-53 쪽은 기체 외형이 정말 많이 변해서, CH-53K에 와서는 전혀 다른 기체가 되었네요

[위종민]

이 두 기체도 만만찮게 오래된 기체네요 ㅎㅎㅎ EH-101이니 하는 후속 대형 헬기보다 더 오래 생산되고 더 오래 날아다닐 것 같습니다.