MARIETTA, Ga., May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The first
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) LM-100J commercial freighter aircraft
achieved a critical milestone with the completion of its first
flight here today.
"I was proud to fly the first flight of our LM-100J. It
performed flawlessly, as is typical of our military C‑130J new
production aircraft," said Wayne
Roberts, chief test pilot for the LM-100J Program. "This new
model will perform many commercial roles in the decades to come,
like humanitarian service following natural disasters and others
like nuclear accident response, oil spill containment, and
firefighting. This aircraft will also enable remote area
development such as mining and oil and gas exploration. This day
marks the beginning of a tremendous commercial capability that only
the LM-100J can deliver."
This first flight followed the same test flight route over
North Georgia and Alabama that is used for all C-130J Super
Hercules aircraft. The LM-100J will complete initial production
flight tests and then begin Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
type certificate update flight test requirements.
"This first flight is a source of pride for Lockheed Martin and
serves as a proof-point to the ongoing versatility of the Super
Hercules aircraft," said George
Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility
& Maritime Missions, and Marietta site general manager. "I'm
continually impressed by the commitment to quality and relevance
that our employees, industry partners and customers have invested
into the LM-100J. Like its military counterpart, the LM‑100J is
exceeding all expectations in terms of performance and
capabilities."
The LM-100J is the 17th different mission capability developed
for the C-130J Super Hercules and it is an updated version of the
L-100 cargo aircraft, which Lockheed Martin produced from
1964-1992. Lockheed Martin officials submitted a Program
Notification Letter to the FAA on Jan. 21,
2014, for a type design update to this aircraft, a
civil-certified variant of the C-130J Super Hercules to be marketed
as the LM-100J.
Through select design innovations, the LM-100J will perform as a
commercial multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and
efficient cargo transport. The LM-100J is an ideal airlift solution
for delivering bulk and oversize cargo, particularly to austere
locations worldwide. Like its military counterpart, the LM-100J
will be able to support multiple missions, ranging from
firefighting to medevac to VIP transport.
The LM-100J incorporates technological developments and
improvements over the existing L‑100s that result from years of
C-130J operational experience, including more than 1.5 million
fleetwide flight hours. The result of this experience and
advancement translates to an aircraft that will deliver reliable
service in a multi-role platform for decades to come.
More information about the LM-100J is available at
www.lockheedmartin.com/lm100j
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company