Lockheed Martin completed the maiden flight for the US Air Force’s HC-130J personnel recovery aircraft on 29 July 2010 at its facility in Marietta, Georgia, US.

The HC-130J, which will be delivered to the US Air Force’s Air Combat Command in September 2010, will reach initial operational capability in 2012.

The Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J variant of this aircraft will fly in the beginning of 2011.

The HC-130J includes advanced multispectral sensors and 60/90 kVA generators, expanded avionics, modernised refuelling system and enhanced cargo handling system.

It will provide airdrop / airland, low-level helicopter air-to-air refuelling and forward-area ground refuelling capability.