Canada’s L-3 Spar Aerospace said at the show yesterday that it is launching Herc 2020, describing it as the most comprehensive life extension programme ever devised for ageing versions of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport.
Edmonton, Alberta-based Spar, a subsidiary of L-3 Communications, says the new programme will be capable of extending the life of E or H versions of the C-130 by 15-20 years, typically for around half the cost of a new aircraft. It will be a “cost-competitive alternative to the purchase of new aircraft”, says Patrice Pelletier, Spar’s president.
Herc 2020 covers a range of structural, electrical and cockpit equipment packages from which customers can pick depending on their individual requirements, says Spar.
Scalable
Andrew Reif, Spar’s vice-president product engineering, says the programme is “designed to be scalable and adaptable to individual customers’ needs”.
Refurbishment under the new programme will cover extending the life of the outer and centre wing and fuselage as well as complete re-wiring, electrical and mechanical system upgrades, plus a next-generation cockpit.
Special mission modifications can include night vision goggle-compatible cockpit lighting, plus electro-optical and infrared sensors.
The company says that it is the only company currently under contract to completely refurbish a C-130 centre wing, enabling C-130E and H models to safely reach a planned 2020 withdrawal date.
ALAN DRON
Source: Flight Daily News
