Lockheed Martin's increased success with selling the C-130J tactical transport means a bumper time for UK supplier GKN Aerospace, which has scooped a new contract to supply the aircraft's engine nacelles.
Extending a partnership on the 'Super Hercules' that already dates back some 15 years, the roughly £280 million ($451 million) deal will guarantee GKN's involvement as sole nacelle supplier until 2018.
The company said it will supply 158 nacelles for C-130Js from its Isle of Wight facilities this year, with these to equip 37 aircraft and provide spares. At least 2,000 nacelles should be completed before its new multi-year contract ends, it said.
"Our relationship has seen us work together to great effect, continuously assessing processes, introducing improved practices and innovative technologies. This has allowed us to manufacture a better product even more efficiently for the C-130J," said Phil Swash, GKN's chief executive, aerostructures - Europe.
GKN won a place on the C-130J programme when the UK became the launch customer for the type, which entered Royal Air Force use in the late 1990s. Each aircraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines.
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Source: Flight Daily News
