US approves foreign military sale of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Egypt.

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.2 billion.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

C-130J (Picture source: USAF)

The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. Compared to older C-130s, the J model climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance. The C-130J-30 is a stretch version, adding 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment. 

C-130J/J-30 major system improvements include advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics, color multifunctional liquid crystal and head-up displays and state-of-the-art navigation that includes a dual inertial navigation system and GPS. The aircraft also features fully integrated defensive systems, low-power color radar, digital moving map display, new turboprop engines with six-bladed all-composite propellers and a digital auto pilot. The C-130J/J-30 also includes improved fuel, environmental and ice-protection and an enhanced cargo-handling system.

The Government of Egypt has requested to purchase twelve (12) C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with four (4) each Rolls Royce AE-2100D Turboprop Engines (installed); twelve (12) Rolls Royce AE-2100D Turboprop Engines (spares); thirty (30) Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) with GPS Security Devices (including 6 spares); and seven (7) Multifunctional Information Distribution System – Low Volume Terminal Block Upgrade Two (MIDS-LVT BU2) (including 3 spares). Also included are AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders; AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems (MWS); AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS); AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver (RWR); AN/AAQ-22 (STAR SAFIRE 380); secure communications, cryptographic equipment, and GPS-aided precision navigation equipment; publications and technical documentation; software and mission critical resources; aircraft support and equipment; unclassified return and repair; integration and testing; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total program cost is $2.2 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces by moving supplies, equipment, and people, thus strengthening its capacity in the security and humanitarian arena. This airlift capability would assist with border security, the interdiction of known terrorist elements, rapid reaction to internal security threats, and humanitarian aid. Egypt also intends to utilize these aircraft for maritime patrol missions and search and rescue missions in the region. Egypt, which already operates a mix of legacy C-130s, will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft and services into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Marietta, GA.