TSAMTO, November 19. Lockheed Martin has begun flight tests of the first (out of six ordered for the German Air Force) military transport aircraft C-130J "Hercules".
As reported by Scramble.nl With reference to the press release of the German Federal Armament, Information Technology and Maintenance Agency (BAAINBw), at the beginning of 2022, this aircraft will join the newly created Franco-German transport squadron in Evreux.
In May 2018, the US State Department approved the delivery to Germany under the Foreign Military Sales program of three BTA C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft and three KC-130J tanker aircraft, as well as engines, related equipment, simulators and services. The total cost of the project may amount to $1.4 billion.
In September 2018, the German Parliament approved the allocation of about 970 million euros ($1.14 billion) for the purchase of 6 Hercules family aircraft. Judging by the procurement documentation of the US Defense Ministry, the agreement for the supply of aircraft worth $ 920 million was signed on September 28, 2018. As planned, the first C-130J-30 will be transferred to the German Air Force in February 2022. The remaining aircraft will be delivered at intervals of six months. Thus, the delivery will be completed by 2024.
The German Air Force will use aircraft to transport troops and cargo, refueling in the air and landing as part of a Franco-German squadron stationed in Evreux (France). The unit will receive a total of 5 BTA C-130J-30 aircraft and 5 KC-130J tanker aircraft.
The French Aerospace Forces have already received four aircraft (two each C-130J-30 and KC-130J) in the period from January 2018 to February 2020. Until recently, they were stationed at the Orleans-Brisi Air Base. As part of the agreement signed on October 18, 2017 by the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of Germany and France, in 2021, the relocation of aircraft already received by the French Air Force to the 105th Airbase in Evreux began (German Air Force aircraft will arrive at the base immediately as they are delivered). On July 16, 2021, the first tanker KC-130J (s.n. 5890) of the French Aerospace Forces flew to the new base.
The squadron will have an unlimited exchange of aircraft, crews and technical personnel, and technical and logistical support will be carried out on the basis of a common pool of spare parts and a single contract for the provision of services. KC-130J will provide the ability to refuel fighter aircraft, light transport aircraft and helicopters in the air.
