C-130J Super Hercules: Ready to Serve Sweden
As the first C-130 operator in Europe, Sweden has led the way in demonstrating the unmatched capabilities, versatility, reliability and interoperability found only in a Hercules tactical airlifter.
As the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) prepares for future airlift mission requirements, the C-130J Super Hercules is ready now to serve Sweden.
From supporting United Nations’ missions in Mali to delivering unwavering assistance during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami to providing critical airlift support out of Afghanistan, Sweden’s C-130s make a difference close to home and around the world.
The most advanced and powerful C-130 ever produced or flown, the Super Hercules builds on the C-130’s successful lineage and expands the capabilities to deliver a truly modern, integrated and unmatched airlifter.
Ready now, ready tomorrow. The C-130J Super Hercules. Poised to deliver increased power and partnership to Sweden today and for decades to come.
Unrivaled Interoperability: With 26 operators in 22 nations, the C-130J is truly the world’s workhorse. In joining the Super Hercules family, Sweden has access to a network of partners — including seven NATO C-130J operators and 50% of Nordic air force operators — that facilitates true force amplification, unmatched training opportunities, knowledge transfer and continued platform innovation at scale.
Transparent Acquisition: The U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program offers a number of benefits for Sweden, including overt transparency throughout all phases of acquisition; access to ongoing C-130J technological evolution and innovation; established training with U.S. C-130J schools, resources and experts; and robust sustainment options.
Low-Risk: The global fleet of 530+ C-130Js has surpassed 2.6 million flight hours, providing established insights gained from missions flown in every environment, in every scenario. These hours provide validated data that translates to reduced life cycle costs and higher aircraft availability. Additionally, the SwAF’s existing Hercules infrastructure and knowledge base seamlessly support a Super Hercules fleet modernization with minimal downtime for crews and maintainers.
Sustainable Solution: The C-130J-30 emits 20% less CO2 for the same mission and 40% less CO2 per-flight hour compared to other medium tactical airlifters, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel burn, cost and carbon emissions over the Super Hercules’ lifecycle. In addition, C-130J has already demonstrated its use of biofuel blends, further reducing carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Continued Innovation: Lockheed Martin and the C-130J operator community are committed to continually evolving the Super Hercules’ performance capabilities. Investments from Lockheed Martin and operators drive the C-130J Block Upgrade program, incremental powerplant improvements, aircraft modifications and new production variants to meet the evolving airspace and mission needs.
Advanced Technology: The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. Advanced flight deck avionics provide outstanding situational awareness, reduced crew workload, increased efficiencies and modern safety features to protect and guide flight crews through challenging conditions. Coupled with the C-130J’s 18 certified multi-mission versatility, the Super Hercules’ inherent versatility also reduces Sweden’s need for multiple platforms that require additional and separate infrastructure, crews, maintainers and supply chains.
Ready Now
In considering the current and future global landscape, the need for reliable tactical airlifters and tanker is only increasing. Active air forces such as the SwAF cannot pause operational cadence for an immature and unknown solution to sustain demanding mission requirements. There is no gap with the integration of the C-130J-30 and KC-130J Super Hercules into Sweden’s fleet. Lockheed Martin’s C-130J production line is stable and active, currently producing aircraft for eight operators … and counting. A robust backlog of aircraft ensures C-130J production to continue many years to come that ensures Super Hercules availability and timely delivery for Sweden.
Powerful Partnerships
C-130s are national assets that are truly regional resources and global workhorses due to the unprecedented number of international Hercules fleets, which include the 22 nations that operate or will operate C-130Js. To date, 50% of all Nordic air forces operate a C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet. Commonality with the Royal Danish Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Air Force further solidifies the strength of truly Nordic Super Hercules airlift fleet for the region, NATO and the world. The C-130J also builds on Sweden’s longstanding relationship with the United States, which spans almost 250 years and represents a strong, bilateral partnership based on shared values and mutual interests.
Continued Innovation
From the C-130’s very first flight, the Hercules has been in a constant state of innovation. Driven by customer commitment and mission requirements, the Lockheed Martin team has, is and will continually identifying opportunities to expand the proven capabilities of the C-130. The C-130J Super Hercules is visible proof of this commitment to innovation, representing the most advanced, integrated, powerful and capable C-130 ever produced. The C-130J offers Sweden access to the global standard in airlift that is prepared to adapt as required by mission demands.
