Page 70 - AirForces - Monthly (February 2020)

Argentina’s Hercules

It was clear that the FAA C-130 fleet was in Intercontinental transpolar
dire need of upgrade. In 2000 this became a
very real prospect as Lockheed Martin Aircraft
Argentina SA (LMAASA) proposed a package
of improvements for four C-130Hs with a traffic
collision avoidance system (TCAS) and ground-
proximity warning system (GPWS) plus a glass
cockpit, night-vision goggle compatibility
as well as navigation and communications
enhancements and a self-protection system. It
was a plan that was, predictably, abandoned.
A pressing need to improve the avionics in
order to meet international standards triggered
a project known as ‘MATE’ (Transportation
and Liaison Aircraft Modernisation),
which included the C-130s as well as the
F27s, F28s and DHC-6s. This programme
started in 2008, with the work carried out
by LMAASA in the case of the C-130s. A Bell 212 loaded on board a Hercules for its transfer to the Antarctic outpost at Marambio. Bell 212s and 412s
TC-61 was the first to be upgraded and fly from here during the Antarctic summer campaigns. FAA
was completed during programmed depot One of the most memorable long-range flights made by I assisted take-off (RATO) bottles that combined to
maintenance (PDM). The work involved Escuadrón took place between December 4 and 10, 1973. enable the Hercules to make the first transpolar
adding the previously planned TCAS as This was an intercontinental transpolar flight flight joining three continents. The route took it from
well as other avionics upgrades to meet to demonstrate the feasibility of the route. Buenos Aires to Marambio, followed by stops at
navigation and traffic requirements. For this reason, C-130E TC-66 was modified with McMurdo in Antarctica, Christchurch (New Zealand)
In 2011, the US Defense Security Cooperation two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo bay and rocket- and Canberra (Australia), in 18hrs 55mins.
Agency (DSCA) reported a request from the
Argentine government for an FMS avionics interested parties. TC-61 entered the process was conducted under the control of the
upgrade for five C-130Hs, quoting an estimated in Córdoba in 2015 and was completed at the Cooperation of American Forces System.
cost of US$166m. Then in November 2014, TC-69 beginning of 2017. On September 19 of the The C-130’s search and rescue skills came
flew to the L3 Communications Integrated following year, TC-70 was formally presented to the fore in the hunt for the submarine ARA
Systems facility in Waco, Texas, for complete to defence officials as the third modernised San Juan, from which all contact was lost on
modernisation, receiving a Rockwell Collins Flight2 Hercules and the first to be completed November 15, 2017. In the initial phase, TC-69
avionics package, modern communications solely by FAdeA personnel. Currently work is was the best-equipped aircraft in the area.
equipment, satellite communications, a new being undertaken on TC-66, and TC-64 has The two KC-130Hs had lost their in-flight
AN/APN-241 ground-mapping radar, NVG also been inducted. The sole L-100-30 will refuelling capability, but this was revitalised
compatibility and a Wescam MX-10 forward- reportedly not undergo the improvements. in 2018 after five years. The Hercules
looking infrared (FLIR) sensor. The aircraft was subsequently flew the first FAA night refuelling
completed and redelivered in early 2016. Current situation missions for 25 years. This has triggered the
This programme allowed FAA and FAdeA After more than 50 years, the FAA’s C-130s incorporation of NVGs for the cockpit crew
(Argentine Aircraft Factory) personnel to have notched up a string of impressive feats. to help improve capabilities in this role.
learn the procedures involved in upgrading They were again called upon in April 2016 There are also moves for new aircraft.
TC-69, paving the way for this to be carried in Ecuador to assist with earthquake relief Between October 26 and 30, 2015 an FAA and
out on a further four aircraft in Argentina and and in March 2017 an avalanche in Peru FAdeA commission evaluated KC-130F/R/
enabling them to offer similar work to other saw them in action. On both occasions this Ts stored in the desert at Davis-Monthan
AFB, Arizona, with the 309th Aerospace
Maintenance and Regeneration Group
(AMARG) for possible acquisition via FMS.
Another alternative was evaluated during 2017
that involved adding the Modular Airborne Fire
Fighting System (MAFFs) II or Coulson Aviation’s
Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS) to
an aircraft to permit a firefighting capability.
The possibility of returning TC-65 and TC-68
to service has also been studied, but corrosion
problems deemed this to be prohibitively
costly. In the event, TC-68 was restored for
static display in its bomber configuration.
Ultimately, the five-aircraft modernisation
programme will keep the FAA in the
Hercules business for many years to come,
Above: Hercules TC-61 over water. This aircraft is part of the original September 1967 order for three C-130Es,
which arrived at El Palomar in December the following year. The aircraft was upgraded in FAdeA’s Cordoba and it will permit I Escuadrón to live up to
facilities between 2015 and 2017. Below: Serials TC-61 and TC-69 fly in formation near their home base. its motto: ‘We can so that others can’ . AFM

68 // February 2020 #383 www.Key.Aero

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