Jakarta (ANTARA) - The first C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1339 aircraft ordered by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base here on Monday.

The aircraft's arrival was welcomed by Deputy Chief of the Air Force Staff, Vice Marshal Agustinus Gustaf Brugman, and Commander of the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Colonel Adrian P. Damanik.

The plane landed at around 1:08 p.m. local time and was greeted with a water salute followed by Brugman welcoming the disembarking seven crew members with flower necklaces.

The seven crew members comprised two pilots and two loadmasters from Lockheed Martin, two Air Force aviators, and a flight engineer.

Brugman stated that the Super Hercules aircraft was selected to strengthen the Air Force since its previous generations had proven their quality, particularly in terms of landings on questionable airstrips.

"It has been proven that this C-130 aircraft is (suitable) for unprepared runways. For example, this type of plane can land on an unprepared runway in Central Sulawesi that was hit by a disaster," he remarked at a conference here on Monday.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules has advantages in terms of an integrated avionics system and a more efficient engine.

"It can fly further, and its speed is good," he added.

Moreover, it has four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D turboprops that can generate 4,700 horsepower and capable of reaching the highest speed of 660 km/h at an altitude of 6,706 meters (m).

In addition, the aircraft has a cargo compartment with a length of 16.9 m; a width of 3.12 m; and a height of 2.74 m, and a carrying capacity of 20 tons.

Moreover, the aircraft can carry eight pallets or 97 stretchers, 128 combat troops, and 92 paratroopers.

Four other Super Hercules aircraft ordered by the Air Force will arrive gradually in June, July, October, and January next year. All of them are assigned to Squadron 31 at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base.

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Translator: Gilang G, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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