The order includes six aircraft, three years of initial support, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets, and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during the three year initial support period. Also included is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase Special Operations capabilities.
The C-130J Super Hercules will provide the Indian Air Force with modern and effective airlift to support a wide range of national requirements. Due to the aircraft’s mission flexibility, several other departments in India have shown interest in the C-130J. These include the Border Security Force, Coast Guard and Weather Department, hence increasing the potential for additional sales to India.
In keeping with IAF requirements, the US Government offered a unique C-130J configuration modified for special mission roles. Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft will be able to 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 defense environments. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations. Lockheed Martin will integrate this equipment and other capabilities into the Indian configuration as agreed between the governments.
The Indian Air Force’s new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or “stretched” variant of the C‑130J, similar to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. India joins the growing number of nations with C-130J fleets including Australia, Canada, Demark, Iraq, Italy, Norway, Oman, Qatar, United Kingdom and the United States. The C-130J carries eight 463L pallets, 97 medical litters, 24 CDS bundles, 128 combat troops and 92 paratroops.
Lockheed Martin will work with a large number of partners in the private and public sector, including HAL, to meet its offset requirement from this program, approximately $300 million.
Photo Courtesy Lockheed-Martin
I hear that the C130J's will be based at Hindon and special hangers are being built for them………..?????????
also, heard that the Hangers are for 12 (yes, 12) aircraft !!!
Rumours also suggest that the balance 6 (on option ) may just be KC-130 Tankers ?????
Good ole Prasun Sengupta would really come up with "news"……….he's just vanished……….kyoi khabbar ???
Look at the wonderful infrastructure many such massive planes in one shop floor. Why not privatize HAL and build a shopfloor/assembly like like this.By the way Prasun Sengupta has been kidnapped by ISI!