Hercules Training Center breaks ground

Lockheed Martin has broken ground for the Hercules Training Center (HTC), which will open at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics site in Marietta, Georgia, in 2018, it announced on 21 June.

Air mobility crews and pilots for LM-100J commercial freighter and C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft will be trained at the centre.

The centre will feature a reconfigurable C-130J/LM-100J full mission simulator, training devices and classroom space.

Sandy Samuel, vice president, training and simulation solutions, Lockheed Martin, said the company's shared investment in the Hercules Training Center continues years of strong partnership between Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to help equip pilots and aircrews worldwide to command the C-130 platform.

George Shultz, vice president and general manager, air mobility & maritime missions, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘As the C-130 Original Equipment Manufacturer, Lockheed Martin has an unmatched knowledge of the Super Hercules — to include providing the most effective training programmes for C-130J crews. The Lockheed Martin partnership that is at the core of the Hercules Training Center delivers proven insights into the operation of the C-130J and LM-100J platforms.’