Australia’s Quickstep to make C-130J composite flaps

Mar. 6, 2012 by Greg Waldron – Flight Global

Australian firm Quickstep has been named the future sole source supplier for the composite wing flaps of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

The deal is worth between A$75 million ($79.8 million) to A$100 million over five years, said Quickstep in a statement.

"Quickstep was selected as sole source supplier for the C-130J flaps following an international commercial tender programme by Lockheed Martin, which attracted bids from numerous manufacturers from around the world," said the company.

Lockheed Martin representatives will visit the company in the second quarter of 2012 to complete contract details.

The company expects the first non-recurring activities related to the programme such as planning, tooling, training, and project management in the second quarter of this year, with deliveries of parts to commence in 2014.

Quickstep is also involved in the F-35 Lightning II programme, for which it produces access panels, fuel tank covers, aircraft skins and in-board weapons bay doors.