Our aging C-130H Hurcules are now over 50 years old and one thing everyone agrees is that they need replacing. But, the big question and it is a big question... Is the C-130-30 Super Hercules the right choice?
RNZAF C-130H
So is the C-130-30 Super Hercules the right replacement for our current C-130H transport planes? The short answer is, well yes they are, they are newer, can carry more supplies, further than our current transport aircraft. But there is a little more to it than that.
The C-130 is a reliable and proven platform, and is used and relied on around the world. There is a saying "The only thing that can replace a Hercules is another Hercules." and while it is pretty true, however, I would say, "The only thing that can replace a Hercules is another Hercules, as long as your needs don't change."
So has the Royal New Zealand Air Force or the New Zealand Defence Force requirements changed. The short answer is yes. Things like climate change and unsettling economics as well as the unstable world we live in. Things like East Timor, or Bougainville can happen and probably will happen again in the next 30 years.
In July 2019 New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark released Defence Capability Plan 2019 which set the time frame of replacing current equipment in the NZDF.
One of those announcements was the selection of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter as the preferred option for the replacement of the aging C-130H Hercules aircraft fleet.
“The replacement of the five Hercules transport aircraft is the highest priority project within the Coalition Government’s Defence Capability Plan 2019, Cabinet has decided to seek detailed costing information for a replacement aircraft, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules”, said a statement released by the government.
Five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, manufactured by American company Lockheed Martin, will be sought through the United States’ Foreign Military Sale (FMS) process.
“The current Hercules have served us well since the 1960s, but they have reached the end of the road, and suitable and proven replacement aircraft will need to be sourced,” says Ron Mark. ”The current fleet is increasing in cost to maintain, and is taking longer to put through maintenance.”
- Almost $100 million spent on repairing Defence Force aircraft since 2016
- NZDF begins summer season in Antarctica
- Royal New Zealand Air Force considers C-17
“After considering the range of military air transport aircraft carefully, the Super Hercules has been selected as it offers the necessary range and payload capability as well as fully meeting NZDF’s requirements,” says Ron Mark.
No final contract decision has been made, on either platform numbers, detailed costs, or funding and Budget implications. A Project Implementation Business Case is scheduled to be progressed to Cabinet next year, where these matters will be considered. The Defence Capability Plan 2019 noted that the estimated cost of the procurement would be more than $1 billion.
The C-130J Super Hercules is a comprehensive update of the legacy C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft, developed by an American company, Lockheed Martin. The new aircraft has new engines, flight deck, and other systems.
The C-130J is a proven aircraft, with more than 400 C-130Js having been delivered to over 21 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The problem is the C-130-30 Super Hercules is just another Hercules, slightly larger, however, it still can not carry the NH-90. It still can not take the NZLAV anywhere useful without stripping and still it can't really take it anywhere due to weight. With the replacement or upgrades coming soon to the NZLAV which will probably make them heavier or the replacement vehicles will be just as heavy or heavier which is back to the original issue.
So will the C-130-30 Super Hercules be a good replacement for C-130H's... the answer is Yes and No...
