Lockheed Martin Corporation | Lockheed Martin
MARIETTA, Ga., Oct. 16, 2026 — Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) has officially delivered a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant step forward for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. This delivery took place on October 15 at the company’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is set to undergo modifications to become the E-130J Phoenix II, serving as the Navy’s next-generation platform for the TACAMO mission—an essential airborne nuclear command and control support function.
Equipped with advanced avionics and enhanced capabilities, the Super Hercules is a reliable, long-endurance, four-engine platform that meets the demanding requirements of the TACAMO mission. It boasts increased power, fuel efficiency, greater range, and improved payload capacity.
Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, remarked, “This delivery marks a historic milestone for the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, and the nation’s strategic communications network. The C-130J-30 Super Hercules continues to evolve to meet the needs of our customers, maintaining its reliability while adapting to a new strategic mission set. It is designed to provide the capabilities required by our joint forces and to withstand various operational challenges.”
The delivery of this aircraft also re-establishes the long-standing connection between the TACAMO mission and the Hercules family, which previously utilized the EC-130Q variant for this purpose from 1963 until 1993. The new Super Hercules adds to this legacy with advanced avionics, improved communications, and enhanced survivability features.
U.S. Navy Captain Roger Davis, program manager for the Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications program (PMA-271), commented, “The C-130J platform has a storied history in supporting our strategic communications mission, and accepting this first C-130J-30 marks an exciting new chapter. Lockheed Martin’s delivery of this battle-proven airframe provides the necessary structural and performance foundation for our mission as we transition to the E-130J Phoenix II with integrated mission systems.”
Following its transformation, the aircraft will be handed over to Northrop Grumman, the designated mission systems integrator, to finalize the conversion to E-130J TACAMO.
About the C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130J Super Hercules represents the latest generation of the esteemed C-130 Hercules family. It features advanced avionics, increased range and speed, and improved survivability. The aircraft is certified for various mission sets, including airdrop, search and rescue, firefighting, medevac, ISR, and special operations, and it forms the backbone of global air mobility with over 570 units in service worldwide.
For more on the C-130J Super Hercules, visit Lockheed Martin’s official site.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a leading global defense technology company committed to innovation and scientific advancement. The company’s comprehensive mission solutions and vision for 21st Century Security focus on delivering transformative technologies that keep our armed forces equipped and ready. More information can be found at Lockheed Martin’s website.
Source: Lockheed Martin (2026-10-16 12:01:00)
