LOCKHEED Aeronautical Systems has signed agreements with three Australian companies to supply components for the C-130J as part of its proposed sale of 12 aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The three local manufacturers selected to join the Lockheed Martin Industrial Team, as C-130J suppliers are, Hawker de Havilland, Honeywell Australia and Aviall Distribution Services.
Hawker de Havilland will design and build the C-130J's composite flaps. The agreement covers the supply of flaps for the first 120 aircraft.
Honeywell will develop and supply a portable maintenance computer for C-130J fault-analysis, and will be the sole source.
Aviall is to supply airframe hoses for the first 12 C-130Js ordered by the RAAF and any follow-on Australian order. The hoses are to be manufactured at Aviall's Melbourne plant under licence from Parker Stratoflex.
The Australian Government has approved funding for the RAAF to purchase 12 C-130Js as replacements for C-130Es.o
Lockheed expects to finalise a contract by the end of 1995 and deliver the first two RAAF aircraft in early 1997.
The company anticipates selling a total of 32 C-130Js to Australia, including a further 12 transports. The air force is also evaluating proposed tanker and airborne early-warning-and-control versions of the aircraft.
Source: Flight International
