The sky's no longer the limit for Land Rover North America as an LR3 (Discovery 3 in Australia) has accomplished something no vehicle has ever done before.

In the second instalment of the 'Designed for the Extraordinary' marketing campaign which kicked off earlier this year, a 2006 LR3 (Discovery 3) is filmed boarding a C-130 Hercules cargo plane. Once airborne the Hercules crew used the LR3's navigation system to direct the plane from Nice, France to the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. At a height of 2,743 metres (9,000 feet), the navigation system equipped in the LR3 was able to accurately direct the plane to its destination.

"This is a truly extraordinary demonstration of the capability and adventure inherent within all Land Rover vehicles, and the LR3 in particular," said Sally Eastwood, vice president, marketing, Land Rover North America. We determined that the vehicle's navigation system could in fact do this, and decided to make it a reality."

Land Rover North America's 'Extraordinary' marketing campaign showcases actual events, not dramatisations. The documented journey was launched on Monday 1st May, and is the second chapter of a multi-phase campaign developed in liaison with Young & Rubicam Brands, Land Rover North America's advertising agency.

The unlikely and creative union with Hercules, the iconic C-130 cargo plane, features the extraordinary capability of the Land Rover LR3 and its superior technology.

About America's Land Rover LR3

Since its introduction last year, LR3’s powerful on-road performance, unparalleled off-road standards, and state-of-the-art technologies have set a new industry standard and has received more than 20 U.S. industry awards. The award-winning LR3 offers two engines, a 4.4-litre 300 bhp V8 engine, and the new 4.0-litre 216 bhp V6 engine for 2006. Both models come equipped with an impressive list of four-wheel drive technologies including the innovative Terrain Response™ system, and four-corner electronic air suspension.

A state-of-the-art, touch screen DVD-based navigation system is available in the LR3 with both 2D and 3D map displays, which includes both on-and off-road navigation. The personal telephone integration system allows owners to use their own mobile phone in the car either via an integrated cradle or with the wireless convenience of Bluetooth™ technology. The system that links in-car entertainment and navigation systems uses fiber optic cabling and is called MOST® (Media Oriented System Transport) network.

About the Hercules C-130

The C-130 is arguably the most versatile and enduring aircraft of all time. Designed as a troop transport and cargo vessel, it has become the main tactical air-lifter worldwide. Its first prototype flight occurred in 1954, and by December 1956, it joined the U.S. Air Force inventory. It since has logged over 20 million hours of flight. It has the longest continuous production of any military aircraft in history and operates in 60 countries around the globe. The C-130 is an internationally respected piece of machinery, making it, in Land Rover's view, the perfect counterpart for this demonstration.