Lockheed Martin Introduces FireHerc at Farnborough Airshow 2018

The FireHerc is a civil-certified firefighting air tanker variant of the proven C-130J Super Hercules which the airlifter of choice for 18 nations around the world

The LM-100J “FireHerc,” was introduced by Lockheed Martin at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIAS) 2018. The FireHerc is a civil-certified firefighting air tanker variant of the proven C-130J Super Hercules which the airlifter of choice for 18 nations around the world.

The LM-100J is the commercial freighter production model of the C-130J Super Hercules and an updated version of the legacy L-100 commercial Hercules freighter. The LM-100J is flying at and on static display at this year’s FIAS.

A commercial freighter production model of the C-130J Super Hercules, the LM-100J is an updated version of the legacy L-100 commercial Hercules freighter. The new model is even flying at and on static display at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow.

The LM-100J FireHerc not only enhances the proven experience but also offers advanced capabilities to support aerial firefighting requirements for decades to come. C-130s – legacy Hercules, Super Hercules and L-100s – have flown millions of hours in support of missions for military and civilian operators around the world for 60+ years, which includes supporting firefighting missions for more than 40 years

“With the presence of wildfires increasing on a global scale, there is a real-time need to provide more advanced assets to protect our people, communities and environment,” said  Vice President and General Manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, George Shultz. He added “As a variant of the C-130J Super Hercules, the FireHerc delivers a powerful combination of established, performance advantages and innovative technology that will truly change the way we fight and defeat wildfires.”

This aircraft plays a crucial role in firefighting since it disperses fire retardants to contain and control fires in a plethora of complex locations and terrains. Its turboprop power plant along with its straight-wing design allows it to excel in supporting this challenging low-level, low-speed firefighting mission profile like no other large air tanker in operation.