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2015-05-01
PROUD HISTORY OF C-130 IN M.E.
Super Hercules geared for tough conditions found in desert world
By Sakha Pramod
In a wide-ranging interview Steve Pigott, vice president, International Business Development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, discusses the history of the C-130 in the Middle East, the latest C-130J Super Hercules,a new AMMROC facility at Al Ain, likely new contracts, the success of taking part at IDEX 2015.
How well suited is the C-130 in terms of performance in hot and desert environments like the Middle East?
The long history of the C-130 operating in Middle East environments proves that it is ideally suited for missions in the region. The latest version of the aircraft — the C-130J Super Hercules — incorporates new, more powerful engines that are specifically designed to provide greater thrust in hot conditions. The Super Hercules is powered by 4,637 shp Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines mated with a six-bladed composite Dowty R391 propeller with aerodynamically efficient blades. The formidable combination of powerplant and propeller enables Super Hercules crews to fly longer ranges and carry more cargo, and provides significantly reduced fuel burn compared to legacy C-130s. The engines also are less susceptible to ingesting rock or debris when the C-130J operate in a rough, unprepared or semi prepared runways as compared to turbofans. Simply put, the C-130J Super Hercules is built to perform and deliver in the hot desert environments found in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is the largest C-130 operator outside the USA with a fleet of about 50 aircraft. What is the feedback you get from there?
The C-130 is the backbone of the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) airlift fleet, utilized for multiple missions both in and outside the Kingdom. The RSAF has two new KC-130J tankers on order and will take delivery of those aircraft in early 2016. In addition, the Kingdom has congressional approval for a follow on acquisition of up to 23 more C-130J aircraft. The Kingdom’s acquisition of these KC-130Js and future Super Hercules aircraft ensures that Saudi Arabia will continue to fly C-130 aircraft for years to come.
Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq all operate C130s. Are you close to adding UAE in the list of GCC clients?
Kuwait, Oman, Iraq and the UAE have been operating legacy C-130s and L-100s with great success for many years, positioning these C-130s/L-100s as national and regional assets. Kuwait, Oman and Iraq have now added the C-130J Super Hercules to their airlift fleets, as has Qatar, which was not previously a legacy operator. We stand always ready to support the UAE and its tactical airlift needs whether it is through continued operation of its legacy fleet or a recapitalization.
What has been the response of North African countries to C130?
As in the Gulf region, C-130s have been the mainstay of airlift across North Africa for decades. The C-130’s rugged workhorse capabilities and versatility make it ideally suited to the continent, supporting a variety of missions from critical humanitarian outreach to vital security operations. Tunisia recently became the first African country to acquire the C-130J Super Hercules and is operating a fleet of two Super Hercules aircraft. Just like its legacy C-130 predecessors, the C-130J is performing exceptionally well in this environment. We believe the C-130J brings unmatched, enhanced power and performance to existing African countries that operate C-130s. The LM-100J, our civil variant of the C-130J, is also an ideal option for African governments and commercial operators. Like the C-130J, the LM-100J provides an unmatched solution for niche missions that only a Hercules can support. We look forward to working with African countries that seek the Super Hercules to recapitalize legacy Hercules fleets or invest in their first Hercules acquisition.
You are opening a new facility at Al Ain as a result of Lockheed-AMMROC partnership? Does it boost your opportunities here and in this region?
Lockheed Martin is fully committed to the success of AMMROC and we work together in support of the UAE fleet and the many fleets across the SAMENA (Indian Subcontinent, Asia, Middle East and North Africa) region. Already a world leader in MRO services, AMMROC’s ability to provide unparalleled aircraft support will be further enhanced by the new facility currently under construction in Al Ain. AMMROC’s Al Ain facility will be a world-class centre of MRO excellence and an asset to the UAE — as well as the entire SAMENA region. The facilities, coupled with AMMROC’s team of experts, ensure Al Ain will be a valuable resource for Hercules operators in the region and around the world.
Does this joint venture also plan to eventually expand into a major crew and maintenance training as Lockheed is reportedly interested in setting up a major air crew training center for Qatar, similar to the centre it runs for the Royal Air Force in Britain?
We continuously look for ways to expand AMMROC’s portfolio of offerings, and additional training services would be another way to provide comprehensive support to our C-130 operators. AMMROC’s expertise with the platform, its geographic position in the region and the partner support of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) make it an ideal training provider for our UAE and SAMENA region customers.
Lockheed Martin is now offering a dedicated commercial LM-100J, based on the C-130J-30. Does it also interest buyers in the military and if so why?
Lockheed Martin delivered more than 113 L-100 (the legacy version of commercial C-130) over a 30-plus year span to operators around the world, ranging from private freight forwarders to government operators. The LM-100J is an ideal platform for many governments looking for a cargo plane that does not have militarised components. Its competitive acquisition price, versatility and global fleet support network make it a logical acquisition for many government operators. As with other C-130s, the L-100 has a strong presence in the SAMENA region and has been workhorse for many operators — private, military and governmental — in the region. Our legacy L-100 operators have said the only replacement for an L-100 is an LM-100J. We’re excited to now provide this option to the existing L-100 operators and potential new LM-100J operators. The LM-100J represents added Hercules relevance in the marketplace and a new, exciting chapter in C-130 operations.
What was the overall response to your participation at IDEX 2015?
As IDEX is one of the leading defense expositions in the SAMENA region and world, it is a priority for Lockheed Martin to support this event. We have many operators, sustainment partners and suppliers in the region. IDEX is an environment where we can have important discussions with customer, suppliers and partners; where we learn more about trends and developments in the industry; and it’s a place where we can engage with the global marketplace. We see IDEX as a vital resource in doing business across all of our business units and as a corporation.
What are the major LM products that attract the Middle East market?
Lockheed Martin has many offerings and solutions that are ideal for the Middle East market from missile defense systems to land and marine vehicles. On the Aeronautics side, our C-130s and F-16s have performed with unmatched reliability for our Middle East customers for many years. We also offer a full range of sustainment solutions from aircrew and maintenance training to spares and logistics support to modernization and upgrades.
Do you think you face stiff competition in terms of price from your European rivals?
The C-130 is competitively priced and we are confident that it provides unmatched value to all of its operators. A commitment to affordability in acquisition and operations is something that the C-130 is known for and aptly reflected in its 60-year history. We are driven to design, build, deliver and sustain an asset that is as affordable as it is versatile. And the unmatched versatility of the C-130J allows our customers to perform many missions with a single airframe. That’s why we like to say that when you buy a C-130, you get an air force as no other aircraft in production now or in the history of aviation can do what the C-130 Hercules can do when it comes to multi-role versatility.
Photo credit: Lockheed Martin
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