Sunday, February 20, 2011

Aero India-day 1- Lockheed Martin Points to C-130J, Missiles

Roger M. Rose, CEO, Lockheed Martin India Pvt. Ltd., met with Aviation Week’s Neelam Mathews, just before the show, to discuss Aero India and the C-130J airlifter.
ShowNews: What are you showcasing at Aero India? Roger Rose: Lockheed Martin will be highlighting
the on-time, on-budget delivery of the first of India’s six C-130Js, which we delivered to the U.S. Air Force in December, and is due for turnover from the USAF to the Indian Air Force in early February. Several variants of F-16 fighter aircraft – including UAE’s Block 60 aircraft – will be displayed, as we showcase the capability that will be applied to the F-16IN Super Viper, if chosen in the MMRCA competition. Our Electronics Systems group will be highlighting our role in the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile – we are in discussions with the U.S. Government and Indian Army to bring this capability to India. As a systems solutions provider, we have many of the missiles, fire control, and navigation systems on the Apache
helicopter; we will also highlight our Hellfire and PAC-III missiles solutions.
SN: What is the status of C-130Js?
RR: India’s first C-130J has been delivered to the U.S Air Force, and the remaining five will arrive this year. This is India’s first experience with the C-130J, so the package being provided by the U.S. Government is comprehensive. The contract includes six aircraft, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares,
ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets and a team of
technical specialists who will be based in India during a three-year initial support period. Also included in the package is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase Special Operations capabilities.
The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules is a highly integrated and sophisticated configuration,
primarily designed to support India’s special operations requirement. Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft can perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defense environments.
The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.
SN: What about follow-on orders?
RR: Timing of follow-on orders is an IAF and MoD decision.
SN: Would Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force C130Js – if they buy them – have a different configuration?
RR:We see many potential applications for the C-130J in India, including CG and BSF variants.
SN: Do you see a big potential for the C130Js in India? How many could India absorb?
RR: The C-130J occupies a unique niche in aircraft capability – besides the above, there are many others who could benefit from the wide variants of C-130J aircraft.

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