Lockheed Martin , Alenia Aeronautica and Avio SPA have signed an agreement to provide Long Term Support (LTS) for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet operated by the Italian Air Force.

Under terms of the agreement this team, known as a Raggruppamento Temporaneo d'Impresa (RTI) and led by Alenia Aeronautica, will provide joint support of the Italian C-130J/J-30 fleet of 22 aircraft for a period of three years. Approximate value of the contract to Lockheed Martin is $47 million.

"We are very excited to sign this agreement, allowing us to partner with some of the aviation industry's world class companies," said Linda Allen, director of C-130 Sustainment Programs for Lockheed Martin. "Our customers can rely on us to provide the partnerships and tailored support solutions to enhance their mission readiness. The signing of this agreement is just one example of the many benefits that we provide to ensure our customers' requirements are met."

Lockheed Martin responsibilities under the agreement include integrated logistics support management, avionics/mechanical line replaceable unit repair service, on-site resident support, field service support, supply chain management, engineering support and technical publications updates.

International C-130J operators include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force. C-130Js are being operated at a high tempo around the world in both combat and relief support operations, with the worldwide fleet exceeding 355,000 flight hours.

The new concept of contractor-led support being considered by a number of governments provides opportunities for Lockheed Martin and its partners to offer cost-effective and tailored support solutions to aeronautics customers around the world.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is one of the world's leading companies in the design, development, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies and is also the original equipment manufacturer of the C-130J Super Hercules Transport.

Lockheed Martin is a major supplier of logistics systems and services to military and civil government customers. The corporation provides solutions for platform maintenance, modifications and repair, material readiness and distribution, and global supply chain command and control.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company