Fourth Indonesian C-130J Super Hercules Arrives

Indonesia’s Air Force has received the fourth Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft. The aircraft was flown from Lockheed Martin’s Marietta manufacturing plant in Georgia, US on Jan 16 and touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on Jan 22. 

In a symbolic handover ceremony graced by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto handed over the Super Hercules to Air Force Chief of Staff ACM Fadjar Prasetyo. President Widodo said “the aircraft is very important for war and non-war purposes” and that it is ideal for Indonesia due to its ability to operate on short runways and stay airborne for 11 hours non-stop. With top speeds of 410 mph, the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 164,000 lbs and is the most advanced aircraft of its line, superior to its preceding variants still operated by many air forces across the globe.

The fifth and final Super Hercules is slated for delivery in April this year under a procurement plan of the five aircraft including spare parts, ground support and training for 58 personnel comprising 12 pilots, 40 technicians and six load masters.

Furthermore, Minister Prabowo also handed over a refurbished Eurocopter (Airbus) AS550 Fennec helicopter to be used by the Indonesian Army as well as another refurbished AS565 Panther helicopter to the Indonesian Navy. shp/adj/dl (Pix:Joko Widodo Twitter)