Lockheed Martin is developing a hybrid boom/ probe-and-drogue variant of its KC-130J Hercules II, aimed at Middle Eastern states with mixed fighter fleets.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are thought to be the most likely near-term customers, although the United Arab Emirates could emerge as a prospect in the longer term, say sources close to the project.
The Royal Saudi Air Force requires replacements for its C-130s, and Lockheed Martin has briefed the service on the C-130J and KC-130J.
Egypt does not operate tanker aircraft, although its fighter pilots regularly practise air-to-air refuelling during exercises with the US Air Force.
A hybrid tanker would be the preferred solution for refuelling its Lockheed Martin F-16s, which require booms for tanking, and Dassault Mirage 2000s, which are designed for probe-and-drogue operations. Similarly, Saudi Arabia operates the McDonnell Douglas F-15, which uses a boom, and the Panavia Tornado, which requires a probe and drogue.
The KC-130J would have a rear-fuselage-mounted boom, along with two wingtip hose-and-drum units. The company says that the C-130J's higher airspeed makes viable equipping it with a boom for refuelling fighter aircraft.
According to Lockheed Martin, the KC-130J can be flown "comfortably" at 240kt (440km/h) at 20,000ft (6,100m), transferring up to 3,000litres of fuel per minute through the boom. Up to 1,150litres/min can be transferred via each hose-and-drum unit. The KC-130J can carry out refuelling missions at speeds of up 270kt.
In addition to offering variants of the C-130J to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the company is offering the aircraft to Qatar, which has an emerging transport-aircraft requirement.
Source: Flight International
