U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of Lockheed Martin C-130J aircraft for, along with associated equipm...
U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of Lockheed Martin C-130J aircraft for, along with associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $650 million.
Major defense equipment requested by France are, two C-130J airlifters and two KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft along with four Rolls Royce AE-2100D spare engines worth $355 million. Other non-major defense equipment include Electronic Countermeasure Dispensers, Missile Warning Systems, Radar Warning Receivers.
The new aircraft will increase inter-operability between the U.S. Air Force and the French Air Force, as well as other NATO allies.
The C-130Js will provide critical transport, airdrop, and resupply to thousands of French troops in support of current and future operations.
The tactical C-130J will complement the 50 Airbus A400M strategic airlifters ordered for French Air Force to replace its fleet of older C-130H and C-160 Transall airlifters.
The C-130J Super Hercules can carry a maximum payload of 16 tonne, and has a maximum range of 2071 miles.
The KC-130J is a extended range aerial refueling variant of the C-130J, and will provide crucial air refueling capability to France's fighter aircraft, light transport aircraft, and helicopters.
The KC-130J will complement the Airbus A330 Tanker/Transport ordered to replace FAF Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker fleet.
With a maximum take off weight of 72 tonne, the KC-130J Marine Super Hercules can carry 12,000 gallons of fuel and simultaneously refuel two aircraft at 300 gallons a minute.
The remarkable C-130 platform is 60 year old and first entered service with U.S. Air Force in 1956. Since then more than 2500 have been produced and has been continuous improved from the A-variant to the latest J-variant, which entered service in 1999.
The C-130J is powered by four Rolls Royce AE-2100D Turboprop engines rated at 4700 hp each.
