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tactical medium transport special ops · in_production

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules

Indian Tier-1 manufacturing of structural sub-assemblies (empennage, centre fuselage) at TLMAL Hyderabad — L2 for those sub-assemblies. Engine, avionics, mission systems, FADEC, final assembly all imported (L0).

Specifications
20 t payload4,200 km range670 km/h cruise33,000 ft ceiling4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop, 4,591 shp eachDowty R391 6-blade composite propeller
Maker: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (Marietta, Georgia, USA)
Indian partner: Tata Lockheed Martin Aero Structures (TLMAL), Hyderabad · Tier-1 supplier for C-130J empennage (horizontal and vertical stabilisers) and centre fuselage components; also supplies to commercial C-130 platforms
Country of origin: United States of America
Role: Tactical airlift, special operations (the IAF C-130J-30s are operated by No. 77 Squadron 'Veiled Vipers' for special operations roles), HADR
Range: Ferry range approximately 5,250 km with auxiliary tanks.
Payload: C-130J-30 payload approximately 20,000 kg; up to 92 troops or 74 litters in MEDEVAC configuration.
Why it matters for India

IAF operates 5 C-130J-30s (originally 6, one lost in a crash in March 2014 near Gwalior). Additional airframes offered via US Foreign Military Sales. No Indian manufacturing contemplated for the C-130J airframe. Lockheed Martin has indicated openness to a Tier-1 / FAL arrangement for a future additional batch; not contracted.

Indian production status

IAF fleet of 5 operational aircraft. TLMAL Hyderabad manufactures empennage and centre fuselage sub-assemblies for the global C-130J programme (Tier-1 to Lockheed Martin).

Localization depth · 3 systems
  • AE 2100D3 turboprop engineL1 · Final assembly in IndiaIndicative
    IAF No. 3 BRD Tughlakabad performs partial T56/AE 2100 engine work; full depot MRO and component manufacturing are not yet Indian-qualified.
  • Horizontal and vertical stabilisersL2 · Component manufacturing
    TLMAL Hyderabad manufactures C-130J empennage for global programme since 2010.
  • Centre fuselage sub-assembliesL2 · Component manufacturing
    TLMAL Hyderabad manufactures C-130J centre fuselage sub-assemblies for global programme.
Import dependencies · 3
System architecture · 5 records
  • Propulsion → Engine → Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop (T56 derivative)imported
    Primary propulsion — generates thrust and shaft power for propeller rotation
  • Propulsion → Propeller → Dowty R391 6-blade composite propellerimported
    Converts engine shaft power to thrust
  • Airframe Structure → Empennage → Horizontal and vertical stabilisers (C-130J empennage)manufactured-in-india
    Provides directional and pitch stability and control
  • Airframe Structure → Centre Fuselage → Centre fuselage sub-assemblies for C-130Jmanufactured-in-india
    Integrates wing, empennage, and main landing gear; carries primary structural loads
  • Avionics → Surveillance Radar → Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241 weather and terrain-following radarimportedIndicative
    Provides weather detection and terrain-following capability for low-level tactical operations
Programme milestones · 5
  • 2008-01-01Contract signature — 6 aircraft via FMSdelivered
  • 2011-02-01First aircraft delivereddelivered
  • 2014-03-28Crash of one aircraft — fleet reduced to 5delivered
  • 2010-06-01TLMAL Hyderabad Tier-1 facility establisheddelivered
  • 2024-02-01Lockheed Martin submitted fresh offer for additional C-130J airframes via FMSplanned
MRO · 1
  • No. 3 Base Repair Depot, IAF (Tughlakabad)Tughlakabad (South Delhi), Delhi NCR · Active; partial depot capability. Full depot MRO and engine overhaul are gaps.Indicative
    Partial engine MRO for T56 / AE 2100; airframe and component MRO for C-130J fleet; line maintenance support
Sources · 4
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