WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Officials from the 657th Aeronautical Systems Squadron here issued an undefinitized contract action in December that will add four aircraft to be used by the Air Force and Marine Corps.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. of Marietta, Ga., was awarded the $256 million firm-fixed-price contract modification toward the purchase of three C-130J versions of the venerable Hercules plus one KC-130J tanker.

The contract is scheduled for definitization by September 2007. The planes are scheduled for delivery in 2010.

The request for additional aircraft reflects the significant capability the C-130J brings to the war on terrorism, said Col. Kevin Buckley, 866th Aeronautical Systems Group commander.

"The request for additional aircraft reflects the significant capability the C-130J brings to the war on terrorism," said Colonel Buckley. "The entire C-130J team, at Wright-Patterson AFB and Warner-Robins (Air Logistics Center at Robins AFB, Ga.) are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide additional assets to the warfighter."

Based on phase II initial operational test and evaluation results, the C-130J was declared fully capable in support of air land and air drop missions. The determination for Initial Operating Capability was made by Air Mobility Command Oct 5.

Since then, the aircraft has flown intra-theatre supply missions in southwest Asia. The plane's capabilities allow for operations on primitive runways and at high elevations and searing temperatures.