The C-130J is the newest version of the Hercules and the only model still produced. Externally similar to the classic Hercules, the J model is in fact a radically different aircraft. These differences include new Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100 turboprops with six-bladed composite scimitar propellers, digital avionics (including head-up displays for each pilot), reduced crew requirements (2 pilots—no navigator or flight engineer), increased reliability and up to 27% lower operating costs. The C-130J is also available in a standard-length or stretched C-130J-30 version. Lockheed received the launch order for J model from the RAF, who ordered 25 aircraft, with first deliveries beginning in 1999. The RAF calls the C-130J the Hercules Mk 5 and the stretched C-130J-30 the Hercules Mk 4. RAF Lyneham currently operates a mixture of the old C-130K variants alongside the new C-130Js and both have been involved in ferrying troops and equipment to various conflicts including Iraq and Afghanistan.
