The US State Department has authorized the possible sale of 24 C-130J-30 Super Hercules for the Royal Australian Air Force, for USD 6.35 billion.
As we reported a few days ago, the Australian Ministry of Defense determined that the only cargo aircraft that meets all the requirements outlined in the AIR 7404 Phase 1 project (to replace and reinforce its current C-130J fleet) is the same Lockheed Martin Super Hercules. The plan is to replace some of the older units and expand its fleet of medium military transport aircraft with new planes.
See also: For Australia, the best replacement for a C-130J is another C-130J
That is why the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that the U.S. State Department authorized a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Australian Government for C-130J-30 aircraft and related equipment.
As reported by DSCA, the Australian order is made up as follows:
- 24 C-130J-30s (stretched fuselage version)
- 96 Rolls Royce AE-2100D engines (4 per aircraft, no spares specified)
- 24 Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines with Quick Engine Change Assembly (QECA) (and spare propellers)
- 60 Embedded INS/GPS navigation equipment (48 installed and 12 spares)
- 32 AN/ALQ-251 electronic countermeasures systems
- 27 LAIRCM laser infrared missile defense kits (3 spares)
- 16 AN/AAQ 24(V)N LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) (12 installed)
- 24 Multi-functional information distribution/Joint Tactical actical radio systems (MIDS JTRS)
Then follows a long list of navigation equipment, modern self-protection systems, advanced communication equipment, WESCAM MX-20HD electro optical/infrared towers, ground test equipment, spare parts and rotables, tools, documentation, personnel training, etc. The estimated cost of this package offered to Australia is $6.35 billion.
