Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the two hundred fiftieth C-130J Super Hercules empennage assembly manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL). The delivery represents a key milestone in the long-running aerostructures programme undertaken at the Hyderabad facility.
TLMAL was established in 2010 as a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin. The empennage, comprising the complete tail assembly along with the horizontal and vertical stabilisers, is produced in Hyderabad and shipped to the United States for integration into C-130J aircraft at the company’s Marietta, Georgia plant.
“This two hundred fiftieth delivery highlights the deep collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Indian industry and reinforces India’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain,” said Rod McLean, vice president, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. “The quality, precision and reliability demonstrated by our Indian partners directly support the C-130J fleet that serves twenty-three nations around the world for twenty missions ranging from humanitarian aid to special operations.”
Since the inception of the empennage programme, Lockheed Martin and TLMAL have collaborated on manufacturing processes, quality control systems and workforce development. The programme supplies tail assemblies for C-130J aircraft that operate with twenty-three countries across multiple mission requirements.
The company stated that the shipment of the two hundred fiftieth empennage reflects continuing industrial cooperation between India and the United States. “Our teamwork and ability to deliver have set us apart, and set the standard for tactical airlifters,” said McLean.
The C-130J-30 variant is described as offering interoperability features, industrial partnership opportunities and fuel-efficiency benefits. Since India inducted its first C-130J-30 aircraft in 2011, the platform has been used for various air operations.
Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defence company engaged in aircraft production, space systems and advanced technologies.
