Two more C-130J Super Hercules depart for India

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MARIETTA (BNS): To increase the airlift power of India, the third and fourth of six C-130J Super Hercules has left the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Georgia to reach the Air Force Station Hindan in India, the company announced Thursday.

The remaining two C-130J Super Hercules will be delivered to India by this summer.

In 2008, India had signed a $1.2 billion deal with US for the procurement of six C-130J Super Hercules for the Indian Air Force.

According to the company, the C-130J is ideally suited to India's mission environment, which often involves operating out of austere, high elevation airstrips in hot conditions.

Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set, the aircraft can perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environments. The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.

The first C-130J rolled off the assembly line in October 1995. That same aircraft, which had been ordered by the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, flew for the first time on April 5, 1996.

Following one of the most comprehensive flight tests programmes ever, the C-130J received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in August 1998, and deliveries began soon afterward.

Two more C-130J Super Hercules depart for India - Brahmand.com

 

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IAF to get four Super Hercules transport aircraft by June-end

NEW DELHI: Strengthening the special operations capability of Indian Air Force, four of the six C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft procured from the US under a USD 970-million deal will join the fleet by month end.

"Two aircraft are already here at the Hindon air base near here and two more would be joining our fleet by the end of this month," IAF officials said here.

The first aircraft was handed over to India by the US Air Force under a USD 970 million deal in mid-December last year and it was inducted into the IAF in February.

The aircraft will considerably enhance IAF's special missions capability and will also be used for transporting men and material, they said.

In 2008, India had purchased the aircraft under the US government's Foreign Military Sales route that includes an offset clause under which the firm will invest 30 per cent of the deal amount back in Indian defence industry.

The aircraft would also be pressed into service for transporting special forces from the capital to other places in the country in case need arises and reduce their response time as well.

The US government had offered a unique C-130J configuration for special mission roles and these will be the first uniquely configured aircraft in the IAF fleet for its special operations.

The aircraft will be able to perform precision low- level flying and landing in blackout conditions.

Special features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environment.

In addition, these aircraft will have refuelling probes, advance radar warning receivers and counter measure dispensing system for extended range and additional safety.

India is also planning to place orders for six more similar aircraft and likely to send a Letter of Request to the US Government in this regard in near future.

IAF to get four Super Hercules transport aircraft by June-end - The Economic Times