The C-130J Hercules is a medium-sized tactical air-lifter which can deliver cargo to airfields with short unsurfaced runways, and airdrop cargo and paratroops by parachute and is an important air link for Australian Defence Force personnel overseas.
The C-130J fleet consists of 12 aircraft and one Level 5 simulator, based at RAAF Base Richmond and operated by No. 37 Squadron. The C-130J is supported by two prime performance based contracts. Airbus Australia Pacific provides deeper level maintenance, logistics and engineering support, and Standard Aero provides propulsion system support. The C-130J Simulator is supported by CAE Australia.
During coming years the focus will be on upgrading the aircraft under Project AIR5440 which is aimed at improving operating efficiencies and enhancing navigation precision in line with emergent global air traffic management standards, in conjunction with our C-130J Joint User Group Partner Nations and Lockheed Martin. Work will also continue on optimising aircraft availability and serviceability throughout the third trimester of the platform’s life-cycle.
Content is current as at November 2020.