Daines announces new aircraft to be based at Malmstrom

The following is from a press release from the office of United States Senator Steve Daines of Montana regarding some good news for Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base:

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced today after years of advocating for Montana to serve as the home to one of the military’s newest aircraft, the 120^th Airlift Wing in Great Falls will be one of the preferred locations for the new C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft. Daines paid special tribute to the leadership of Major General J. Peter Hronek, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard for playing a critical role in the decision.

“The new C-130s will be right at home in Montana,” said Daines. “Were it not for the leadership of Maj. Gen Hronek and his entire team, this would not have been possible. Our airmen and facilities are second to none in the country so I cannot think of a better place for this new and improved version of the C-130.”

What is the C-130J-30 Super Hercules? It's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, describes it as " a stretch version of the C-130J, a proven, highly reliable and affordable airlifter. The C-130J-30 adds 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space (two more pallets of equipment) in the cargo compartment." The U.S. Air Force adds "The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. Compared to older C-130s, the J model climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance."