Norway Receives First C-130J-30 Super Hercules Airlifter with Block 8.1 Upgrade

Defense News ,Norway :- Lockheed Martin has provided the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) with the first of four upgraded C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters. These enhancements, known as the Block 8.1 upgrade, aim to boost the aircraft's capabilities and improve interoperability in the Nordic region and across Europe.

The RNoAF has been operating a fleet of C-130J-30 tactical airlifters since 2008–2012, and Lockheed Martin is installing the Block 8.1 upgrade kit at its facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Recently, one of the upgraded aircraft was flown by an RNoAF crew from Greenville to Norway, where it will be stationed at the 335 Squadron Gardermoen Air Station.

Danya Trent, Vice President of International Programs for the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of Norway's C-130J-30 fleet in supporting critical missions with NATO, the European Union, and global Super Hercules partners. The Block 8.1 upgrade ensures that the fleet remains mission-ready at all times, providing unprecedented reach, protection, and connection.

The Block 8.1 upgrade includes both software and hardware expansions, offering greater global reach, enhanced navigation, and additional defensive capabilities. Some of the key features include a new flight management system, civil GPS, updated Identification Friend or Foe, enhanced communication systems, and improved landing systems.

The C-130J Super Hercules Joint User Group (JUG), of which Norway is a member, drives the Block Upgrade program. Block 8.1 has become the standard for all new production model Super Hercules airlifters, with operators including the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, as well as Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand.

Norway's C-130J-30s are versatile aircraft, supporting various mission requirements such as personnel and equipment transport, humanitarian operations, aeromedical airlift, Special Operations, cold weather operations, and natural disaster relief.

The Super Hercules is globally recognized as the preferred choice in tactical airlift, serving 26 operators in 22 nations. With over 540 C-130Js delivered and certified by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, the Super Hercules global fleet has accumulated nearly 3 million flight hours. The C-130J-30 stands out with its exceptional short-field takeoff and landing performance, lower fuel consumption, reduced carbon footprint, increased range, high payload capacity, and superior survivability.