First LM-100J Commercial Freighter takes shape and gets its wings

The LM-100J Super Hercules commercial freighter is moving through pivotal production milestones, most recently completing body mate and wing installation at the Lockheed Martin facility here.

The LM-100J is the commercial version of Lockheed Martin's proven C-130J Super Hercules aircraft - the unmatched tactical military airlifter of choice for 17 nations. The LM-100J will perform as a commercial, multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient cargo transport.

The first LM-100J will progress through final production phases over the next few months, with an anticipated first flight in the first half of 2017.

The LM-100J incorporates technological developments and improvements over the existing L-100s that have resulted from years of military C-130J operational experience - including more than 1.3 million flight hours. The result of this experience and advancement translates to an aircraft that will deliver reliable service in a multi-role platform for decades to come.