Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has delivered its first advanced
military air transport to Israel.

The U.S. Air Force presided over a ceremony in which Israel received its
first C-130J air transport by Lockheed Martin.

The ceremony, which took place on June 26, marked the arrival of the first of three Super Hercules aircraft ordered by the Israel Air Force.

“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,” L-M vice president George Shultz said.

The Israel Air Force has been operating the heritage C-130 since 1971. The Super Hercules, dubbed by Israel “Shimshon,” was designed for landing in most terrain. The Air Force has sought to procure nine such aircraft.

“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,” Shultz,
responsible for C-130 programs, said.

Executives said the C-130J would be modified to include Israeli-origin
subsystems. They said the stretched aircraft was scheduled to arrive in
Israel in the spring of 2014.

“Upon delivery, this aircraft will move into a modification program and
receive Israeli-unique systems,” L-M said.

  Lockheed Martin, Shimshon, U.S. delivers advanced C-130J Super Hercules to Israel