The Hellenic Air Force has formally requested three C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft from the US, with two intended for conversion into aerial refueling tankers, Greek City Times reported.
Greece intends to operate the aircraft for troop transport, special operations support, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuations.
While the C-130J-30 by Lockheed Martin is the leading option, Greece is also evaluating the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium, with possible involvement of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry for local maintenance and industrial participation.
C-130J-30 Super Hercules
The C-130J-30 features updated systems that enhance performance and efficiency over older C-130 models.
Compared to previous versions, the aircraft adds 15 feet (4.6 meters) to the fuselage, increasing cargo capacity by two pallets of equipment.
It includes a modern two-pilot flight station with fully digital avionics, color multifunction displays, and head-up displays.
Its navigation system integrates dual inertial navigation with GPS, improving accuracy and operational flexibility compared to legacy systems.
The C-130J series incorporates defensive systems, low-power radar, digital moving maps, and autopilot, along with new turboprop engines featuring six-bladed composite propellers.
The plane can carry up to 44,000 pounds (20,000 kilograms) of payload, including combinations of pallets, litters, cargo bundles, and troops.
It can reach an altitude of 26,000 feet (8,000 meters) and cruises at around 410 miles (660 kilometers) per hour.
Its operational range extends over 2,400 miles (3,900 kilometers) at full payload.
