Article Posted on : - Feb 18, 2011

A file photo.

LONDON (BNS): Rolls-Royce has been awarded two major support contracts, worth a total of $246 million, to cover engines powering C-130 military transport aircraft in operation with the US and UK militaries.

Under a $203 million contract, the company will provide the US Air Force with comprehensive propulsion system services for its fleet of C-130J aircraft.

The aircraft are flown by the US Air Force, US Air Force Training Command, Air National Guard, US Air Force Reserve and US Air Force Special Operations Command.

Rolls-Royce has also signed a one-year contract extension, valued at over $43 million, for the support of the UK’s C-130 military transport fleet.

"The award of these two important contracts highlights that we are trusted to deliver innovative support solutions which provide the customer with both increased engine availability and reduced ownership costs," Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce, Executive Vice President - Defence Services, was quoted as saying in the company press release.

Rolls-Royce has teamed with Marshall Aerospace and Lockheed Martin to deliver HIOS, a programme to improve overall availability and reduce support costs of the fleet of C-130s.