Mexico requests C-130J-30 aircraft from US

27 September 2012 - airforce-technology.com

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of two C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft to Mexico.

Under the estimated $412m FMS programme, Mexico has requested two C-130J-30 aircraft, along with ten Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines, spare and repair parts, and support and test equipment.

The potential sale also includes personnel training and programme support services for a period of three years.

Primarily ordered for presidential support, the aircraft will also be used to provide airlift support for the Mexican Armed Forces during drug interdiction missions.

Lockheed Martin-Aerospace will serve as prime contractor for the programme.

A stretched version of Lockheed Martin-built C-130J Hercules, the C-130J-30 is a four-engine, medium-lift military transport aircraft designed to conduct military, civilian and humanitarian assistance operations.

The aircraft features an expanded cargo compartment, and is equipped with two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics, colour multifunctional liquid crystal displays and head-up displays, as well as enhanced navigation systems with dual inertial navigation system and global positioning system.

Additional features include fully integrated defensive systems, low-power colour radar, digital moving map display, digital auto pilot, enhanced fuel, environmental and ice-protection systems and an improved cargo-handling system.

The Mexican Air Force currently operates a total of seven C-130 Hercules aircraft for tactical transport missions.