RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules gets official livery -The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules to come off the Lockheed Martin production line in Georgia, United States has received its official livery – featuring the RNZAF Kiwi Roundel and No. 40 Squadron’s mariner’s compass.

Five new aircraft are on track for delivery starting from late this year to replace the C-130H (NZ) Hercules aircraft, which were purchased in 1965.

The new aircraft can carry a greater number of pallets, due to their additional 4.5 metre length and payload capacity of 21 tonnes. The new fleet will be used as a first response option for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, as well as deployment of personnel and equipment both within New Zealand and overseas.

The second Hercules in the fleet is not far behind, ready for its full-body paint job.

Read more about the project here.