The U.S. Air Force has selected Lockheed Martin to modify up to 10 existing C-130 Hercules airlifters to the HC-130P combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft configuration. The contract is valued at approximately $100 million.

Engineering for the program will be performed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Marietta, Ga., and by Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers, which will modify the aircraft at its facility in Greenville, S.C.

"The CSAR program is a major opportunity for Lockheed Martin's newly established Air Mobility Support (AMS) team," said Jim Brandt, General Manager of AMS. "It demonstrates that LM companies, when working cooperatively, can use the best capabilities of each AMS participant to meet the customer's needs for support solutions based on quality, technical approach and at a competitive price."

"This program is important to the continued growth of our C-130 modification business in Greenville," said David Posek, president of the Aircraft & Logistics Centers. "It also solidifies the partnership with both our Air Force customer and AMS."

Under the program, four former EC-130E airborne battlefield management aircraft and six WC-130H hurricane hunter aircraft will be converted to a common HC-130P configuration. Flown by Air Force Special Operations Command crews, the HC-130Ps are used as aerial tankers for rescue helicopters and for airborne delivery of pararescue jumpers and emergency supplies.

The modification program will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in 2007. Up to 43 modifications will be carried out on each platform, depending on the configuration of the aircraft. Some of the modifications include adding provisions for aerial refueling, defensive systems, dual navigation stations and optional integration of a forward- looking infrared radar (FLIR) system. Some structural upgrades also will be required to bring the aircraft to the HC-130P configuration.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is the aerospace support arm of the Technology Services Business Area of Lockheed Martin Corp. The company is one of the leading providers of support solutions for aircraft, propulsion and logistics for the Department of Defense and other government and international customers.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company