Philippines secures C-130J-30 Super Hercules Acquisition Contract with US.

On March 26, 2024, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) of the Philippines made the third payment, marking a milestone of the MYOA (Milestone of Yearly Obligational Authority) for the Additional Air Transport Capacity Acquisition project of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). This payment is for the purchase of 3 C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin, scheduled to begin in 2026.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules Tactical Transport Aircraft (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

To date, the Philippine government has contributed more than 50% of the total project value. With the progress of this project, it is expected that the PAF will soon begin the necessary preparations, including training of pilots and maintenance personnel to ensure successful and efficient integration of these new aircraft into its operations.

The C-130J-30 is primarily distinguished from the standard C-130J by its extended fuselage, which is lengthened by 15 feet (4.6 meters), significantly increasing its transport capacity. This extension allows it to accommodate more passengers, freight, or medical equipment, with a capacity of about 92 passengers, 64 parachutists, or 74 stretchers. Despite this increase in size, it maintains flight performances comparable to the C-130J, thanks to its Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 engines and advanced avionics, providing excellent takeoff and landing capabilities on short and unprepared runways. Its operational flexibility, combined with an increased payload capacity, makes the C-130J-30 particularly suited to a wide range of missions, from tactical air transport to humanitarian support, aerial refueling, and reconnaissance, making it a preferred choice for operations requiring the transport of large volumes or a significant number of troops.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, thanks to its Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 engines and its six-blade GE-Dowty Aerospace R391 composite propellers, marks a clear performance improvement compared to previous C-130 models. This technological advancement allows for increased takeoff thrust, higher maximum speed, and the ability to carry heavier loads and operate from shorter runways. Additionally, the device can climb faster, cruise at higher altitudes, operate over longer distances, and maintain power even in hot conditions.

Advanced cockpit avionics include a night vision capable heads-up display, full-color digital moving map, Ground Collision Avoidance System (GCAS), Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), a Terrain Warning and Avoidance System (TAWS), a computerized aircraft monitoring system, a flight management system (FMS), an inertial navigation system (INS), two global positioning systems ( GPS), a low noise intercom, as well as communication, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM). It also features multi-mode color radar, ground mapping, weather mode, wind shear detection, and an auto-throttle.

Designed for night operations, all variants of the C-130J are fully compatible with night vision goggles. Infrared landing lights illuminate landing areas for the Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) without visible lighting, and infrared cargo area lighting does not leak visible light even when the ramp and door are open.

The C-130J Super Hercules incorporates a proven onboard navigation system that guides pilots quickly and safely to the appropriate landing site, operating at night and in poor weather. Field operations are also enhanced, with the ability to land on undeveloped surfaces, such as compacted earth, gravel, grass, or sand. The propulsion system can operate in "Hotel" mode, which allows the propellers to be feathered to reduce dust during ground operations.