Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company successfully completed the maiden flight of its LM-100J commercial freighter aircraft.
“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 Programme. “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 created for the C-130J Super Hercules and is an updated version of the L-100 cargo aircraft, which Lockheed Martin produced from 1964-1992. Lockheed Martin officials submitted a Programme 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.
The LM-100J will perform as a commercial multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient cargo transport. The LM-100J is the perfect airlift solution for delivering bulk and oversize cargo worldwide. Like its military counterpart, the LM-100J will be able to perform numerous missions, ranging from firefighting to medevac to VIP transport.
