News Summary
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules has been awarded the title of the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Georgia’ during a competition hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The aircraft, which has a longstanding history in military operations, outperformed notable contenders to secure this recognition. Celebrated for its reliability and versatility in tactical and humanitarian missions, the C-130J represents significant innovation and manufacturing excellence in the state. The victory highlights Lockheed Martin’s impact and the community’s support for high-quality production in Georgia.
Columbus, Georgia – On August 7, 2025, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules was awarded the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” during an inaugural competition hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The announcement took place at the Georgia Chamber’s Congressional Luncheon, recognizing the innovation and production of the highly regarded aircraft.
The C-130J Super Hercules, manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, employs over 5,000 individuals. It is acclaimed as the “worldwide choice in tactical airlift,” currently serving 28 operators across 23 nations. Since its introduction, more than 560 units of the C-130J have been delivered and certified, achieving over 3 million flight hours worldwide.
The competition was designed to celebrate innovative products made in the state through a knockout-style voting process, where hundreds of nominations were submitted, and 64 companies were randomly selected to compete. The C-130J outperformed other strong contenders, including Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to ultimately secure the winning title. During the event, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions expressed pride in this recognition and appreciation for community support.
Significance of the C-130J Super Hercules
Logistically speaking, the C-130J is known for its operational reliability and has become the longest-running military aircraft production program in history. In 2024, the company celebrated the 70th anniversary of the C-130’s inaugural flight, leading the Georgia General Assembly to declare that year as the “Year of the Super Hercules.” This acknowledgment emphasizes the aircraft’s historical significance and operational achievements.
The C-130J has demonstrated exceptional performance and durability, tailored for tactical and humanitarian missions. Lockheed Martin has introduced an Enhanced Service Life center wing box that significantly extends the aircraft’s operational lifespan, reinforcing its status as a vital asset for military forces worldwide.
Community Impact and Recognition
The competition’s outcome reflects the strength of Lockheed Martin’s presence in Georgia as well as the community’s support for high-quality manufacturing and innovation. Chris Clark, the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, noted how the C-130J embodies Georgia’s spirit of innovation and manufacturing excellence. The recognition serves as a vote of confidence for the aircraft’s production site in Marietta, according to McLean.
McLean initially found the competitive landscape daunting, given the strong lineup of industries involved. However, reflecting on the aircraft’s long-standing legacy and significant impact helped fortify the C-130J’s standing, showcasing the capability of Lockheed Martin to lead in modern aerospace technology.
Background of the Competition
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce launched the competition not only to highlight exceptional products but to build a sense of community pride and engagement within the state’s manufacturing sector. With nominations pouring in, the format allowed for broad participation and showcased the diverse range of innovative solutions produced in Georgia.
This victory at the Georgia Chamber competition positions the C-130J Super Hercules as more than just a cutting-edge aircraft; it underscores the collaborative effort between Lockheed Martin and the state to promote technological advancements and high-quality manufacturing rooted deep in Georgia’s historic fabric.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MDJ Online: Lockheed’s C-130J Wins Coolest Thing Made in Georgia Competition
- AJC: Georgia-Based Lockheed Martin C-130 Production Helps Peach State Take Off
- Lockheed Martin: Delivers First C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Georgia Air National Guard
- Google Search: C-130J Super Hercules
- Encyclopedia Britannica: C-130 Super Hercules
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
