C-130 Life Extension
Client
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Description
Life extension programme for the five C-130H Hercules aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The scope of the project is the replacement of specific mechanical, avionic, and structural components, and the design and installation of flight deck communications and navigation improvements to meet evolving air traffic management regulations.
Government approval
In December 2004 the Government approved a project budget of NZ$226 million excluding GST.
In May 2007 the Government approved a further $21.2million excluding GST to upgrade the self-protection system fitted to the aircraft.
Contract
A contract was signed in December 2004 with L-3 Communications Spar Aerospace of Edmonton Canada to undertake the Life Extension programme.
L-3 Spar will modify the first two aircraft at their Edmonton facility.
SPAR has engaged New Zealand company Safe Air to undertake the modification to aircraft 3-5 at their facility in Blenheim.
The upgrade to the self-protection system will be fitted on the second aircraft in Edmonton, with the other four aircraft being fitted at Safe Air.
Current status
Modification to the first aircraft at L3's Edmonton facility has commenced with delivery of the first aircraft scheduled for completion in mid 2008, with the last aircraft scheduled to be completed in mid 2011.
For further information see the Royal New Zealand Air Force website (www.airforce.mil.nz) or contact:
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz