Lockheed and Derco offer competing tanker/transport conversions for the C-130. The LASSC offering, is based on the existing KC-130 tanker, using two under-wing 1,150litre/min (300USgal/min) Cobham hose-and-drogue pods and a 13,650litres roll-on/roll-off cargo-compartment fuel tank. After modification of the aircraft, installation or removal of the refueling system can be accomplished within 6h, the company says. The kit adds a dry weight of 2,600kg to the aircraft.
Derco and AEL have joined forces to market an alternative, low-cost, tanker conversion. The major permanent change is a modification to the rear-loading ramp to provide a port for the single hose and drogue. The 760litres/min hose reel and two 9,000litre fuel tanks are mounted on pallets which can be installed or removed in 1h. Each of the double-wall tanks weigh 550kg empty. The hose-reel pallet weighs 340kg.
Derco says that it is talking to several potential launch customers for the tanker conversion. The companies have drawn up a 20-month programme from contract award through development, fabrication, flight-test and installation. Options to be available include a 2,250litres/min high-rate fuel-transfer system and a closed-circuit television system to monitor refueling operations.
Source: Flight International
