Seoul in C-130J buy

MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with the Republic of Korea to provide four C-130J Super Hercules, with 2014 as the delivery date.

Korea's new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage, or "stretched," combat delivery variant.

The monetary value of the contract was not detailed, but Lockheed said the agreement contains a two-year support program, including aircrew and maintenance training.

"Because it is a legacy C-130 operator, the Republic of Korea Air Force is able to take advantage of common spares, support equipment and a sound knowledge of the C-130 to reduce costs and reach full operational capability as soon as possible," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility and Special Operations Forces Programs. "As an experienced C-130 operator, Korea recognizes the unmatched capability that this new aircraft brings to so many missions."

Lockheed said the C-130J generates greater operational efficiency than older C-130s -- such as Korea's current H models -- by flying farther, faster, and with more payload and higher reliability.