Article Posted on : - Feb 14, 2011

Indian Air Force's C-130J Super Hercules

MUMBAI (PTI): Tata Advanced Systems and US firm Lockheed Martin Corporation Monday announced their new joint venture (JV) company named Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures to manufacture aero structures for the C-130 aircraft in India.

C-130 aircraft also called as Super Hercules is primarily designed to support special operations--combat delivery, air- to-air refueling, disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility is export oriented and the products manufactured will form a key aircraft structure that Lockheed Martin will integrate and complete for its global C-130 aircraft customers, a press release issued stated.

Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata said: "...we are very proud of our association with Lockheed Martin and believe it will raise the capability of the aerospace industry in India as also complement the efforts of our defence public sector undertakings."

In last December Lockheed Martin delivered the first of six C-130Js (advance version of C-130 Hercules) for the Indian Air Force.

Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons focused on providing integrated solutions for aerospace, defence, homeland security and disaster management.

Lockheed Martin's Executive Vice-President (Aeronautics) Ralph D Heath said, "This partnership is established as a strategic element of our global supply-chain and solidifies our presence in India. We are confident it will enhance long term competitiveness of the C-130 and assure its production for decades to come".

On February 5, Indian Air Force celebrated the induction to service of its first Lockheed Super Hercules at Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh.

"The Indian Air Force is happy to induct the C-130J Super Hercules, the most potent and versatile aircraft in its class," Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, IAF Chief of Air Staff had said.

The USD 46-billion Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 1,32,000 people worldwide. The American firm is principally engaged in research, design, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.