IAF set to induct two more C-130J-30 Super Hercules transporters
18 Jun 2011
Washington: The third and fourth C-130J-30 Super Hercules medium –range transport planes acquired by India in a $950 million deal for six aircraft have left for their new home, Air Force Station Hindon, outside New Delhi.
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin said the remaining two C-130Js on order will be delivered later this summer.
The aircraft were constructed at the manufacturer's facility in Marietta, Georgia, USA. The planes departed Wednesday.
According to Lockheed, India's six stretched-fuselage C-130J-30s would provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force ''new special operations capabilities, using the world's most advanced airlifter''.
Equipped with India-unique operational equipment, including an infrared detection set (IDS), the aircraft for the first time will provide the IAF an ability to conduct precision low-level flying operations, airdrops and landings in blackout conditions.
To ensure 80 per cent availability of the aircraft at any given time, Lockheed Martin has offered a long-term maintenance contract to the IAF on the lines of the ones it has with the US Air Force and the air forces of Australia, Britain and Canada.
