US Navy transforms 164,000-pound Super Hercules into next-gen nuclear command aircraft

What happened

Navy’s next airborne nuclear communications aircraft has reached its first major milestone, but extensive engineering work remains before it can enter service. A C-130J-30 Super Hercules arrived at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility on October 15 for conversion into the E-130J Phoenix II.

Its arrival begins the process of turning a military transport into a specialized communications platform designed for one of America’s most critical defense missions. Heavyweight starting point The C-130J-30 provides a substantial airframe for the Navy’s requirements.

Lockheed Martin lists its maximum takeoff weight at 164,000 pounds, with a standard maximum payload of 46,700 pounds. Its operating empty weight stands at approximately 88,252 pounds.

Key facts

• Heavyweight starting point The C-130J-30 — provides: a substantial airframe for the Navy’s requirements