Chief of Air Force welcomes first flights of C-130J

Three test flights have taken place over Georgia and Alabama in the past few days, with the first, flying from Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia,  in the air for over three hours and covering nearly 1000 kilometres.

AVM Webb said that the new fleet will take the Air Force’s air mobility capability to the next level.

“The iconic C-130H has been a fantastic aircraft for us for a very long time, across a huge range of tasks and environments. The C-130J will deliver everything that its predecessor does, and more – it has greater range, speed and capacity.

“It is a proven performer flown by many Air Forces, starting with the Royal Australian Air Force, which will enhance our interoperability with our closest Defence partner. These new aircraft takes us another step towards honing the modern Air Force as combat-capable, deployable and sustainable. They bring air mobility to the same cutting edge as our new P-8A Poseidon aircraft deliver for air surveillance and maritime patrol, and as our high-performing rotary wing assets.”

The new fleet will deliver benefits to personnel in much of the Air Force, AVM Webb said.

“They will enhance career opportunities and progression in many of our trades and roles, and help us to achieve the resilience and readiness across the board which are key goals for us.

“We look forward to seeing NZ7011 and the rest of the fleet in New Zealand skies, starting later this year,” he said.

Read more about the C-130J project here. 

Watch the C1-30J take flight