Lockheed-Martin has submitted a Program Notification Letter to the Federal Aviation Administration for a type design update of its L-382J, the civilian version of the C-130J Super Hercules, to be marketed as the LM-100J. More than 100 L-100s, the commercial variant of the first generation C-130, were produced from 1964-1992 at the then Lockheed-Georgia Company, Marietta, Ga., facility. Many are still in operation worldwide.“The LM-100J is a natural expansion of the Super Hercules family. It is a modern answer to the existing multi-tasked L-100 airlift fleet which, true to Hercules form, is a workhorse that has been a critical cargo asset for 40 years,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. “Our customers and legacy L-100 operators tell us that the best replacement for an L-100 is an advanced version of the same aircraft. The LM-100J is that aircraft.”
As it is based on the operational C-130J, the civil variant LM-100J can operate from short, unprepared airfields without ground support equipment. It requires minimal material handling equipment and enables rapid onload and offload at truck-bed height. Growth provisions built into the LM-100J will enable it to support a variety of future missions including aerial spray, aerial firefighting and delivery, medevac/air ambulance, humanitarian aid and VIP transport, according to Lockheed-Martin’s announcement. “With the LM-100J, we are leveraging the proven technology and capabilities of the C-130J Super Hercules to offer a modern, flexible commercial aircraft that is ready to deliver freight and support critical civilian missions–anywhere, anytime,” said Jack Crisler, vice president, Business Development for Air Mobility, Special Operations and Maritime Programs.
