India's first C-130J Super Hercules runs engines ahead of maiden flight

Washington: American defence contractor Lockheed Martin has said it has run the engines of the first of India's six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters on Tuesday, ahead of its maiden flight early next month. In a $1 billion deal the Indian Air  Force signed up for the supply of six advanced variants of these  medium range air transport craft.

The C-130 is considered to be a classic design that is one of the longest serving transporters in the world. There are over two thousand of these aircraft serving with a large number of air forces around the world.

The first C-130J with IAF colours rolled out of Lockheed's Marietta plants in June this year.

The six stretched-fuselage C-130J-30s are intended to provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force "...new special operations capabilities, using the world's most advanced airlifter", according to Lockheed.

Equipped with India-specific operational equipment, including an infrared detection set (IDS), the aircraft for the first time will provide the IAF an ability to conduct precision low-level flying operations, airdrops and landings in blackout conditions.

The deal also involves a three-year maintenance contract with Lockheed personnel involved in training and maintenance responsibilities alongside the IAF.