Lockheed Martin signs £133m RAF C-130 support contract
This long-term Hercules Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) contract ensures that the UK’s C-130 fleet is maintained at a high level of readiness. The C-130Ks and C-130Js are used to support and conduct special operations, deliver medical capability and ensure vital supplies are in place to support front line theaters of operation such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.
George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager C-130 programmes, said: “The Royal Air Force continues to demonstrate to the world the irreplaceable value that the C-130 has in airlift operations. No other aircraft can achieve the range of operational missions that the Hercules can.
“The RAF has set the standard in many areas of C-130 operations. As the launch customer for the C-130J, the RAF continues to push the performance envelope of Super Hercules. HIOS transforms the way the Hercules fleet is supported and will guarantee more aircraft ready to fly at all times. The ‘nose-to-tail’ deployed supply chain services that HIOS provides to RAF C-130 combat operations is just one example of Lockheed Martin’s transformational innovation for today’s C-130 operator. We are resolute in our commitment to the long term support of the C-130 and the capabilities it brings to operators around the world.”
Under HIOS, Marshall Aerospace, as prime contractor, works in a partnered relationship with Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce, which support the engines. Lockheed Martin is responsible for overall supply chain management, provisioning of C-130J-peculiar items and repairing parts for both aircraft types. The goal of the HIOS partnership is to keep the RAF’s C-130s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
