Mexican Politicians Love The C-130J

Mexico is buying two C-130J transports from the United States. Mexico already operates four older C-130s (E and L models). Including support, training, and spare parts (including two engines) the C-130J deal will cost $412 million. These two new transports will primarily be used for "presidential support." That apparently means helping politicians to move around, with a secondary role of helping with the war against the drug cartels, if there is a serious emergency.

The C-130 continues to thrive after over half a century because they are a reliable and inexpensive way to move cargo and personnel to improvised airfields. The C-130J transport proved to be more than just another model in the fifty year old C-130 design. This is mainly because it's cheaper and easier to use. Like most new commercial transports, the C-130J emphasizes saving money. The new engines generate 29 percent more thrust while using 15 percent less fuel. Increased automation reduced crew size from four to three. The rear ramp door can now be opened in flight when the aircraft is going as fast as 450 kilometers an hour, versus the current 270 kilometers an hour.

The C-130J is more reliable and easier to maintain. So far, C-130Js have cost nearly twenty percent less per hour than previous models. The current 70 ton MC-130H (there are several MC-130 models) has a crew of seven, a cruise speed of 480 kilometers an hour, and unrefueled range of 4,300 kilometers. This version can carry 77 passengers, or 52 paratroopers, or 57 litter patients and 18 tons of cargo or specialized containers outfitted with business jet amenities.

The most common version of the C-130 still in service is the C-130H. It has a range of 8,368 kilometers, a top speed of 601 kilometers per hour, and can carry up to 18 tons of cargo, 92 troops, or 64 paratroopers. The latest version, the C-130J, has a top speed of 644 kilometers, 40 percent more range than the C-130H, and can carry 20 tons of cargo. The stretched C-130J-30 can carry more bulky cargo and goes for about $100 million each. The C-130 has flown for over 50 countries since the late 1950s.

U.S. Coast Guard To Acquire Three Additional Lockheed Martin HC-130J Surveillance Aircraft

Lockheed Martin received a $218 million contract for three additional HC-130Js for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will increase the U.S. Coast Guard fleet of HC-130Js from six to nine. The contract also includes funding for two mission suites, which are critical in supporting U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue operations. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

“The Coast Guard, like many services in the Hercules family, continues to recapitalize with the C-130J,” said Jack Crisler, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility. “The C-130J is without equal in terms of its multi-role, multi-mission flexibility and availability. No aircraft in production — or in development — can match the capabilities of the Super Hercules.”

                         

Lockheed Martin received a $218 million contract for three additional HC-130Js for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will increase the U.S. Coast Guard fleet of HC-130Js from six to nine. The contract also includes funding for two mission suites, which are critical in supporting U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue operations. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

 A C-130-H (top) displaying an historic color scheme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the C-130 in Coast Guard Service, flies in formation with a new HC-130J (bottom).

                         

The current fleet of HC-130Js, based at Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., meets long-range maritime patrol requirements in areas that cannot be patrolled efficiently by medium range surveillance aircraft or cutters. The Long Range Surveillance (LRS) aircraft also provide heavy air transport for maritime safety and security teams, port security units, and National Strike Force personnel and equipment.

The HC-130J’s special mission suite is comprised of a two mission system operator station located behind the pilot and co-pilot, a belly-mounted 360-degree long range search radar, nose-mounted forward looking infrared radar and an advanced mission communications suite. The missionized HC-130J is designed to deliver enhanced search, detection and tracking capabilities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.