Israel to receive first C-130J Super Hercules by early 2014

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is set to receive the first C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin in late 2013 or early 2014. Designated 661, the aircraft was rolled out in IAF's markings at the company's Marietta production facility in Georgia, US, as reported by Flightglobal.

A total of three stretched-fuselage C-130J-30 aircraft were ordered by Israel in 2010 and 2011 respectively under the US foreign military sales (FMS) programmes, to help replace its ageing C-130E model fleet, which was purchased in the 1970s. Scheduled to be named Samson in the IAF service and equipped with a three-person cockpit configuration, the aircraft can also be configured to support integration of domestically manufactured equipment in future.

The air force has reportedly started negotiations with Lockheed for procurement of additional three aircraft, which will enter service with its 103 Squadron, in late 2013. An extended fuselage variant of the C-130J Hercules, the C-130J-30 is a four-engine, medium-lift military transport aircraft designed to carry out a wide range of military, civilian and humanitarian assistance operations.

Besides an expanded cargo compartment, the aircraft also features two-pilot flight station with fully-integrated digital avionics, colour multifunctional liquid crystal displays and head-up displays, as well as enhanced navigation systems with dual inertial navigation system and GPS. The aircraft is currently operational with the US, Australian, Canadian, Danish, Indian and Norwegian air forces. The remaining aircraft under contract are scheduled to be delivered in 2014. IAF currently operates 16 C-130 aircraft, which includes a mixture of C-130E, H-model transports and four KC-130H tankers, according to the Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.

Pakistan To Upgrade Its C-130 Hercules Military Transport Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has informed the United States Congress about request to upgrade the Pakistan Air Force's C-130 Hercules turboprop military transport aircraft under a deal worth $100 million.

Under this proposed deal C-130 B/E Hercules of the Pakistan Air Force will receives avionics, engine management and mechanical upgrades as well as cargo delivery system installation, and replacement of outer wing sets on six of the C-130 Hercules turboprop military transport aircraft.

Pakistan Air Force's C-130 aircrafts are being used to air-lift the essential food supplies for the people stuck in the drought stricken areas of Tharparker.

Bangladesh Requests C-130E Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress May 22 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Bangladesh to provide regeneration, overhaul, modifications, and logistics support for 4 Lockheed Martin C-130Es and associated parts, equipment, and training for an estimated cost of $180 million.

The Government of Bangladesh has requested a possible sale to provide the regeneration, overhaul, modifications, and logistics support of 4 Lockheed Martin C-130E United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft and 20 T56AA Rolls-Royce engines being provided as grant Excess Defense Articles (EDA). Also included are transportation, aircraft ferry support, repair and return, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $180 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enabling the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to use its C-130 fleet to respond more capably to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs in the region and support Bangladesh’s significant contributions to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, and support operations to counter violent extremist organizations. It will also improve the commonality and interoperability of the BAF and the U.S. Air Force. The proposed sale of support will help to modernize the BAF’s aging cargo aircraft fleet. The C-130E will provide Bangladesh with an improved capability for the movement of cargo and personnel in humanitarian missions.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be determined via competitive bid. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Bangladesh.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.