Norway requests C-130J-30 aircraft from US

The Royal Norwegian Air Force's C-130J-30 aircraft

at 2009 Rygge Airshow. Photo Solbergsindre

8 June 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 US Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft and associated parts to the Government of Norway.

Under the $300m FMS programme, Norway has additionally requested the supply of nine Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines, including eight installed and one spare, countermeasure systems, aircraft modifications, communication equipment and support, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, as well as logistical support services.

The potential sale is expected to enhance the Royal Norwegian Air Force's (RNoAF) ability to assist in disaster relief, humanitarian missions and future military deployments.

According to the DSCA, Norway is planning to deploy the aircraft in support of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force's missions in Afghanistan, and also to boost its capability in providing intra-theatre lift for its armed forces.

Norway has participated in coalition operations in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as providing support in the Balkans, the Baltics, and the Nato training mission in Iraq.

Lockheed Martin-Aerospace will serve as the 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 carry out military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations.

The aircraft, ordered by Norway in 2007, are intended to replace its ageing fleet of six C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, which entered service in 1969.

RNoAF had four Hercules aircraft in its inventory as of January 2012, but one was lost during the Cold Response military exercise, conducted in March 2012.