MARIETTA, Ga., June 26 (UPI) -- The Israel Air Force has received the first of three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin.
The delivery ceremony took place at the company facility in Marietta, Ga. The airlifter now will move into a modification program for Israel-specific requirements.
Details of the country-specific requirements were not given, but Lockheed said the aircraft will arrive in Israel next year.
The aircraft has been named the "Shimshon," Hebrew for Samson.
"Israel's new C-130J builds on the tradition of its predecessors and offers the IAF unique capabilities that are not only proven, but without equal," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 programs at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. "With its glass cockpit and modern digital avionics, the C-130J has proven it performs in all environments: hot, cold, dirt and sand.
"Shimshon will serve the IAF as the C-130 always has -- anywhere, anytime."
Israel ordered the three C-130Js through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales contract.
