Lockheed Martin awarded a $51 millions contract with French Air Force for C-130.

According to information published by U.S. Department of Defense on May 5, 2021, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded a $51,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract in support of the French Air Force for long-term sustainment of C-130 aircraft.

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A French Air Force C-130H airlifter (Picture source: French Air Force)

This contract provides for the program management, field service representatives, travel and per diem, data, replenishment of spares and other sustainment tasks. Work will be performed in Bae Aerienne, France; and Marietta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed Jan. 1, 2023. This contract involves unclassified Foreign Military Sales for the French Air Force. This award is the result of a source directed acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funding will be used on this contract.

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8553-20-C-0001). (Awarded April 30, 2021)

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

Using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. In an aerial delivery role, it can airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds (19,000 kg) or use its high-flotation landing gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips.

The C-130H was introduced in 1974 with the U.S Air Force with with the more powerful Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engine. Nearly identical to the C-130E externally, the new engine brought major performance improvements to the aircraft.