Aviacionline was able to visit FAdeA, in Córdoba, Argentina, where we visited the hangar of the Hercules aircraft modernization program, which houses two examples of the Argentine Air Force, the TC-64 and TC-100.
During the visit, we were welcomed by Engineer Eugenio Bombín, Head of the modernization program. Bombin gave us details about the current status of both aircraft and future forecasts.
The visit began with a tour of the exterior of the TC-64, where we were told that the obsolescence removal tasks have been completed. They are now in the assembly phase. A few months ago, the aircraft was painted during the summer break in the hangar.
Picture tour
The work on this Hercules had the novelty of replacing the «Rainbow Fitting» in the wing assembly, due to the fatigue that these components had, as well as corrosion. This type of repair has been new for the factory since it had never been done before. Hence it meant a learning process and also the formation of experience for later works.
The replacement of wing box components involved disassembling both semi-wings to copy the perforations of the previous parts on the new ones in both the upper and lower wing arches. This work complies with the service bulletins issued by Lockheed Martin based on the estimated wear. Such one is according to the flight hours and usage regime of the aircraft (based on USAF aircraft).
Another novelty encountered in this Hercules was the existence of corrosion in the rear fuselage longerons. This one supports the tail of the aircraft, so it was necessary to repair both sides and apply a sealant to protect these parts and ensure the durability of the work. In addition, and also due to deterioration caused by corrosion, two frames were replaced on the floor of the aircraft.
The landing gears were inspected by the Río Cuarto Material Area, while the four engines underwent a complete inspection at FAdeA’s engine shop and are already mounted on the aircraft, awaiting the addition of the propellers.
The interior of the aircraft shows all the newly assembled wiring (22 km of brand new wiring) and cooling ducts being laid. On the other hand, the floor is half-assembled, waiting for the components to be installed to heat the aircraft when it is in flight.
We inquired about the expected delivery of this aircraft and they estimate completion by May of this year. They are currently waiting for parts requested from the Argentine Air Force to complete the aircraft and continue with the following assembly phases.
As for the TC-100, it is already without engines and will be subjected to the same tasks as the rest of the fleet, but since it is a different aircraft, they are awaiting documentation for the continuity of the tasks.
From Aviacionline, we would like to thank Mr. Sebastián Ugarte for his efforts that made this visit possible and Mr. Eugenio Bombín for his explanations that allowed us to know in detail how the modernization of Hercules aircraft is carried out in FAdeA.
