Lockheed Martin's C-130J Hercules II Successfully Completed Its First Flight on April 5. The 2hr 11min first flight was performed by a stretched C-130J-30 bound for the Royal Air Force. During the flight the C-130J reached an altitude of 10,500ft, tested the opening and closing of its rear ramp and paratroop doors in flight (the crew's primary means of escape should something go wrong) and spent about 30min flying in formation with a Learjet for air-to-air photography. The first flight was about three months later than previously planned, due in part to late delivery of equipment from suppliers which caused integration problems. US FAA civil certification is now planned for May next year, with some delays to RAF and USAF first deliveries, while the first of 12 C-130J-30s for the RAAF should be delivered close to schedule. (Lockheed Martin)