Lockheed Martin delivers second C-130J to Tunisia

MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The North African country of Tunisia, the first on the continent to fly the "J" model C-130, has received the second such aircraft from Lockheed Martin.

The aircraft was delivered to Tunisian officials earlier this week at a company facility in Marietta, Ga.

The aircraft, like the first, was a "stretched," or longer fuselage, variant of the aircraft and will be used for a number of mission tasks, including relief efforts, firefighting and traditional airlift sorties.

"Tunisia's Super Hercules fleet is both a national and a regional asset, able to support more missions than any other aircraft in operation today," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We are proud to have Tunisia as a member of the global C-130J family.

"As legacy operators, Tunisian Air Force crews have long showcased why the C-130 is the world's most versatile aircraft and continue to do so with its C-130J fleet."

Tunisia ordered the C-130Js in 2010 through a contract that included provision of logistics support and training.