The State of Qatar has signed a $393.6 million contract with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of four C-130J Super Hercules airlifters plus training and spares with deliveries to begin in 2011. Qatar’s new C-130Js will be the longer fuselage or “stretched” variant of the C-130J.
Since this is Qatar’s first experience with C-130s, the package being provided by Lockheed Martin is a complete solution. The package includes four aircraft, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets, and a team of technical specialists who will be based in Qatar during an initial support period.
“This acquisition of a fleet of C-130Js will provide our country with a highly flexible airlift capability,” said Brigadier General Ahmad Ibrahim Al – Malki, Chairman of the Qatar Emiri Air Force Airlift Evaluation Committee. “No other aircraft can do what a C-130J can do and we are proud to join the many, many countries around the world that operate the world’s most successful airlifter.”
