July 14 - Bravo Industries, the Brazilian logistics and defence group, has ordered ten new-generation 'Super Hercules' commercial freighters, which it plans to use to reach the country's 'underserved regions' that lack ground support and critical infrastr

Bravo's Logística division, which consists of Bravo Cargas and Bravo MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), will operate the LM-100J for air cargo operations in Brazil.

The first LM-100J, the civil-certified version of Lockheed Martin's proven C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is currently in production and will undergo an FAA type certificate update prior to delivery in 2018.

JR Pereira, president and ceo of Bravo Industries, commented: "When we examined the market and regional demands for our logistics operations, there was only one aircraft that could do all the jobs we needed it to do to serve our customers. The LM-100J is uniquely suited to reach Brazil's underserved regions where we do business.

"These are areas that lack ground support and certain critical infrastructure required by other commercial freighters. The LM-100J was designed to meet the varying needs of the Brazilian landscape, in turn, allowing Bravo to deliver vital goods and services where they are needed most."

Bravo's air cargo services include scheduled and route-specific solutions (same-day, next-day, etc.), as well as special cargo handling (heavy, odd-shaped, hazardous, refrigerated, etc) and custom operations.

Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, commented: "Like the C-130J on which it is based, the LM-100J is built to go where other aircraft can't, don't and won't. Bravo is the ideal operator to introduce the LM-100J's unmatched capabilities in this pivotal region of the world."

Lateral Investment Management, a California-based investment firm, is providing funding to Bravo for the LM-100J acquisition. "We see tremendous opportunities for civilian application of the Super Hercules platform," said Kenneth Masters, managing partner of Lateral. "We are excited to provide the capital solution behind Bravo's procurement of this exceptional aircraft."

Lockheed Martin said that through select design innovations, the LM-100J would perform as a "commercial multi-purpose air freighter capable of rapid and efficient cargo transport". It said the LM-100J incorporates technological developments and improvements over the existing L-100s that result from years of military C-130J operational experience, including more than 1.3 million flight hours by operators in 16 nations.

www.lockheedmartin.com

www.bravoindustries.com

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