The ADF is set to fast-track the acquisition of an expanded fleet of new Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transports to replace the current C-130Js that have been in service since 1999.
The RAAF’s 12 current C-130J-30s entered service between 1999 and 2001 and replaced the 12 C-130Es Hercules of 37SQN which had entered service in 1968. Australia’s C-130Js were built to an early US-common specification without many of the more advanced cargo-handling, navigation, and other systems that have since become standard fit on the Hercules.
The RAAF has enjoyed 64 years of accident-free Hercules operations, operating 12 each of the C-130A, E, H, and J models, and it looks likely that will continue with as many as 30 new-build C-130Js planned to be acquired under Project AIR 7404. The current C-130Js have been worked hard, with an almost continuous deployment to the Middle East of two aircraft at a time from 2008 to 2020, and expanded roles at home.
The 2020 Force Structure Plan FSP said, “an expanded replacement fleet for the C-130J Hercules aircraft to improve the lift capacity of the ADF in response to growing demand for these assets,” would be acquired, with funding of between $8.8bn and $13.2bn planned to commence in at the end of this decade. But this appears to have been accelerated.
Industry sources indicate the expanded fleet will not only cover the expanded air mobility requirement, but may also see the Leonardo C-27J Spartan replaced in the battlefield airlifter role for which it has been proven unsuitable. As an ‘orphan’ operator of the C-27J in the cancelled US Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) configuration, the 10-strong Spartan fleet has suffered from configuration-management, integration, and availability issues which has seen it essentially relegated to domestic peacetime tactical transport duties, and HADR and diplomatic support missions in PNG and the southwest Pacific region.
The expanded Hercules fleet will reportedly include between six and eight KC-130Js which will provide a hose and drogue refuelling capability for RAAF Super Hornets and Growlers as well as allied hose and drogue capable fixed and rotary-winged aircraft. While current and planned ADF helicopters are not air-refuellable, it may be a future option to retrofit Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters with the capability, or may shape forward planning for any Future Vertical Lift capabilities the ADF may acquire.
The KC-130J also has a strike role in US Marine Corps service in its Harvest Hawk configuration, with a sophisticated sensor and communications suite and a palletised roll-on roll-off fire control console. This give it an ability to provide armed-overwatch of forces on the ground, and employ precision AGM-114 Hellfire, or AGM-176 Griffin and GBU-44 Viper strike missiles against vehicles and non-hardened targets from wing racks and a ‘Derringer Door’ launcher mounted in the side paratroop door respectively.
With the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review in July, it is understood a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request will likely go through the US approval process before the end of 2022, and a government decision and announcement on whether to proceed with program has been deferred until the Review reports in early 2023.
The Spartans have proved unsuccessful in the battlefield role. However in times of war that sort of thinking goes out the windows.
12 hours ago
Groundbreaking held for Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Hungary – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
12 hours ago
UK ‘Team Thunder’ meets in South Korea – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
12 hours ago
American Rheinmetall Systems wins contract for remotely operated weapon subsystems – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
2 days ago
The U.S. Army is moving to new generation helicopters, but not Australia – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
2 days ago
Australia to acquire 40 Blackhawks – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
2 days ago
Austral diversifies revenue base with new deals – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
2 days ago
Australian soldiers deploy to help train Ukrainian troops – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
3 days ago
Indra wins training simulator deal for NH90 helicopter – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
3 days ago
Rheinmetall takes stake in IT hardware specialist Incooling – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
3 days ago
NIOA acquires US manufacturer Barrett Firearms – APDR
asiapacificdefencereporter.com
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
Twitter Activity Follow
Australian Defence In a Global Context. In its 47th year APDR is the longest established defence publication in Australia.
Groundbreaking held for Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Hungary
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/groundbreaking-held-for-rheinmetall-ammunition-factory-in-hungary/
UK ‘Team Thunder’ meets in South Korea
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/uk-team-thunder-meets-in-south-korea/
American Rheinmetall Systems wins contract for remotely operated weapon subsystems
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/american-rheinmetall-systems-wins-contract-for-remotely-operated-weapon-subsystems/
Daily News Bulletin from APDR for 19/01/23 – http://eepurl.com/iiE1p1
The U.S. Army is moving to new generation helicopters, but not Australia
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/the-u-s-army-is-moving-to-new-generation-helicopters-but-not-australia/
Australia to acquire 40 Blackhawks
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/australia-to-acquire-40-blackhawks/
Austral diversifies revenue base with new deals
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/austral-diversifies-revenue-base-with-new-deals/
Australian soldiers deploy to help train Ukrainian troops
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/australian-soldiers-deploy-to-help-train-ukrainian-troops/
Daily News Bulletin from APDR for 18/01/23 – http://eepurl.com/iix9ET
Indra wins training simulator deal for NH90 helicopter
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/indra-wins-training-simulator-deal-for-nh90-helicopter/