The Indian air force's first of six C-130J tactical transports has left Lockheed Martin's Marietta manufacturing site in Georgia, at the start of its delivery flight to Hindon air base.

To make its public debut at the Aero India show near Bangalore in early February, the aircraft is the nation's second production example, registered as KC-3802. It was formally handed over to the service in Marietta in mid-December, and Lockheed published images of its departure on 28 January.

 Indian C-130J taxi - Lockheed Martin

Indian C-130J flies - Lockheed Martin

Both images © Lockheed Martin

India's acquisition is of six stretched-fuselage C-130J-30s, all of which will be delivered this year. It is also expected to approve a follow-on deal for another six.

Source: FlightGlobal.com