Paris Air Show
Aerospace |
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Lockheed
Martin C-130J-30 Gathering Interest
Paris (June 15, 1997) -- Lockheed Martin described customer interest in the new -30 model of the C-130J at the 1997 Paris Air Show. Although no orders have been made yet, Lockheed Martin and electronics systems partner Northrop Grumman announced that five countries are interested in the C-130J-30 airborne early warning and control variant (AEW&C).
At a press conference on Sunday morning, Dana Pierce, Lockheed Martin director AEW&C, announced that Australia is the most promising customer with the governments of Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey also looking closely at the C-130J-30 at this time. Other prospects include Malaysia and Thailand. Many countries are reportedly expressing interest in having their own high-performance, low-risk, independent capability, despite European involvement with NATO's AWACS system. According to Lockheed Martin, the key to the C-130J-30 is its propulsion system. Four powerful Allison AE 2100D3 engines, each flat rated at 4,591 shp, generate 29 percent more thrust than the C-130-J. According to Pierce, supplying an air force with up to six C-130J-30's could cost up to $1 billion, depending upon radar equipment models. The Lockheed Martin C-130-J already serves 64 countries. The high-tech modernization of the Hercules transport has improved a lot over the years. Compared to earlier models, it provides 40 percent greater range, 40 percent greater higher cruising ceiling, and a 50 percent decrease in time-to-climb, a 41 percent decrease in maximum effort take-off run and 21 percent increase in maximum speed. The C-130J-30 version is upgraded from this. It features a modular crew operating area, full service galley and airline-standard lavatory. It also features up to 12 console workstations in the tactical command station, not to mention automated detection and tracking via radar and IFF and the use of ESM for long-range detection and classification. The electronics and systems for the C-130J-30 are developed by Northrop Grumman from those already in use in the E-2C Hawkeye and the Boeing E-8 Joint STARS. And Lockheed Martin's Ocean Radar and Sensor Systems provides radar use. Concerning production of the two aircraft, Pierce claims the logistics of the C-130 J would not change that much. And there should not be any major delays, according to Pierce. "We envision no difficulties whatsoever." A decision from Australia is expected by the year 1999. If Australia
decides to go toward the AEW&C route rather than take solutions provided
by Boeing's 767/737 or Airbus Industrie's A310 AWACS options, the aircraft
might not be delivered until 2001 or 2002. |
