The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and related equipment to New Zealand for an estimated cost of $1.4 billion.
The sale will be conducted through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Nov. 20.
In June, New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark has announced the selection of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter as the preferred option for the replacement of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)’s aging C-130H Hercules aircraft fleet.
The sales package approved also includes:
+ 24 Rolls Royce AE-2100D3 turboprop engines (20 installed, 4 spares);
+ 15 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGIs) with GPS security devices, airborne (10 installed, 5 spares);
+ Eight Multi-Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Link-16 Low Video Terminal (LVT)-BU2 (5 installed, 3 spares);
+ 13 AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM (Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures) System Processor Replacement (LSPR) (10 installed, 3 spares);
+ 19 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly for LAIRCM (15 installed, 4 spares).
+ Eight AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System (MWS);
+ Eight AN/APN-241 Low Power Color Radar;
+ eight AN/ALR-56M Missile Warning System Receiver;
+ 15 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System;
+ six MX-20HD Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging System;
+ 44 Missile Warning Sensor, LAIRCM; Control Interface Unit Replacement, LAIRCM; classified memory cards, LAIRCM;
+ Low Volume Terminal Cryptographic Modules KIV-55; AN/ARC-210 RT-1990A(C) Radio;
+ AN/ARC- 164(V) RT-1518 Radio;
+ AN/ARC-153 Tactical Air Navigation;
+ AN/ARN-147 VHF Receiver;
+ AN/ARC-190 HF Radio;
+ AN/ARC-222 VHF Radio w/SINCGARS;
+ Classified Tactical Manuals;
+ Cartridge Activated Devices/Propellant Activated Devices;
+ M206 Flares;
+ MJU-64/B Decoy;
+ BBU-35A/B Impulse Carts;
+ Joint Mission Planning System;
+ Classified Computer Identification Numbers;
+ Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
This proposed sale will provide the capability to support national, United Nations, and other coalition operations. This purchase also includes sensors and performance improvements that will assist New Zealand during extensive maritime surveillance and reconnaissance as well as improve its search and rescue capability. Additionally, the extra cargo capacity and aircraft performance will greatly increase New Zealand’s Antarctic mission capabilities while simultaneously increasing safety margins. New Zealand currently operates the C-l30H aircraft and will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Ft Worth, TX.
The C-130J Super Hercules is a comprehensive update of the legacy C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft, developed by 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.
