Jokowi Witnesses Handover of Super Hercules to Air Force
- VIVA.co.id/Arianti Widya
Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) witnessed the symbolic handover of a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from the Defense Ministry to the Indonesian Air Force at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto handed over the aircraft to Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo.
"We witnessed the handover of the Super Hercules C-130J aircraft. This is a transport aircraft that is very important for war and non-war purposes," the President said.
The Head of State remarked that the Hercules aircraft was a perfect fit for Indonesia, which has several short runways.
Presiden Jokowi di Lanud Halim Perdanakusumah
- Istimewa
"Some airports only have a short runway. This Super Hercules can land on a short runway, and it can also fly for 11 hours non-stop,"
The Defense Ministry has purchased five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force's transport fleet. This is the fourth aircraft to be delivered. The last aircraft is planned to arrive in April 2024.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, with tail number A-1344, was flown to Indonesia from the Lockheed Martin Global factory in Marietta, Georgia, the United States, on January 16 and arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on January 22.
Lt. Col. Alfonsus Fatma Astara Duta, Commander of Air Squadron 31, led the ferry flight of the aircraft from the US.
The Defense Ministry has finalized the procurement program for five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to improve and optimize Indonesia's air defense capabilities.
The procurement of five aircraft included spare parts, ground support, and training programs for 58 personnel, consisting of 12 pilots, 40 technicians, and six load masters.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is the latest and most advanced aircraft in its class that uses glass cockpit technology and a Rolls-Royce AR2100D3 Turboprop engine, with speeds reaching 410 MPH or 356 KTAS.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 164,000 lbs, superior to the previous version (C-130-H) with a take-off weight of 155,000 lbs.
On the same occasion, Minister Subianto also symbolically handed over the results of the refurbishment of a Fennec helicopter and its spare parts to the Indonesian Army, which were received by Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak.