Marietta (Georgia)

Lockheed Martin, a global security company and leader in the design, development and production of jet fighters, has signed a contract with the Sultanate of Oman for the delivery of C-130J Super Hercules.

The aircraft, to be delivered in mid-2012, is in the longer C-130J-30 configuration, said a top official.

The C-130J Super Hercules is the world's most advanced tactical airlifter.

Designed and developed with mission flexibility in mind - combat delivery, air-to-air refueling, special operations, disaster relief and humanitarian missions - the C-130J has a unique mix of agility and performance to consistently operate at very high tempo operations efficiently and reliably.

"The C-130J is ideally suited to the operating conditions found in Oman and other areas of the Gulf," said Jim Grant, vice president for business development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"Again we see a country that has recognized all the proven qualities of this world-leading airlifter purchasing additional aircraft," he stated.

Oman currently operates a fleet of three C-130Hs purchased in the early 1980s. The new C-130J will be used to further support Omani operations where its ability to operate out of remote austere airstrips will be invaluable.

This order for Oman brings to 10 the number of countries that have acquired C-130Js, Grant pointed out.

Other nations which are operating or have ordered the C-130J include Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Iraq, Italy, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Headquartered in Bethesda, US, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.