[Photo above courtesy of Lockheed Martin]

In a company press release, Lockheed Martin announced results from a recent testing program showing a significant increase in the expected wing life of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The company states that the testing validated the structural durability of the aircraft’s center wing box, demonstrating nearly 40 percent more lifespan than initially estimated.

The results confirmed that the wing structure of the C-130J can reach approximately 122,500 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH), up from an earlier estimate of 90,000 EFH. This is nearly double the original design specification of 60,000 EFH, according to the company.

“With this groundbreaking test result, we’re redefining the boundaries of what’s possible for the C-130J Super Hercules,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “Already proven in challenging operational environments, the structural durability test validated the C-130J as the standard for exceptional reliability, safety and excellence in any environment. It is built to deliver performance and built to last.”

The extended service life is attributed to the Enhanced Service Life (ESL) center wing box, which Lockheed Martin began incorporating into all new production C-130J aircraft in 2009. The center wing box serves as the structural mounting point for the wings and plays a key role in determining the overall durability of the airframe.

The ESL wing was designed to exceed the original 45,000 EFH service life, potentially doubling the aircraft’s operational lifespan. The recent testing was part of a joint effort by the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The U.S. Air Force provided a C-130 ESL center wing, two outer wings and a center fuselage.

The multi-year Wing Durability Test (WDT) subjected the aircraft components to simulated operational stresses to evaluate fatigue and structural performance. Lockheed Martin said the results exceeded expectations, confirming the C-130J’s capability to operate in demanding conditions for an extended period.

Lockheed Martin and Cobb County

The Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta has been a major employer in Cobb County since 1951, when the Lockheed Corporation, a predecessor of Lockheed Martin, acquired the former site of the World War II Bell Bomber plant.

The C-130 program is the largest program operating at the Marietta facility. The plant currently produces the C-130J Super Hercules (see the company’s Fast Facts on the C-130J or the company’s C-30J brochure for more information).

The Marietta plant also provides ongoing support for the C-5 Galaxy, which celebrated its 50^th year in operation in 2018. The C-5 Galaxy is expected to remain in service until 2045.

The Marietta location also supports the P-3 Orion, and manufactures the center wings for the F-35.