Delivery of the first Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules tactical transport to the Royal Air Force has been delayed by a further six months. The first aircraft, due to arrive this month, is now scheduled for delivery in July at the earliest.
Lockheed Martin says that the latest hold-up - the aircraft is already over two years late - is caused by "icing issues" on the vertical fin. US Federal Aviation Administration certification of the aircraft has also been put back.
The RAF has ordered 24 C-130Js to replace half of its current Hercules fleet. Lockheed Martin has been forced to "compensate" the RAF for the earlier delays, and additional payments are now likely to be required.
The delay puts more pressure on the RAF's already stretched C-130K fleet. Five aircraft are undergoing an unplanned overhaul because of delivery delays on the C-130J. Lockheed Martin is believed to be picking up the bill.
Source: Flight International
