Farnborough, England, July 9, 2012 – Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement authorizing Marshall Aerospace to become the world’s first commercial company to install C-130 Center Wing Boxes (CWB).  Marshall Aerospace is also the first C-130J Heavy Maintenance Centre (HMC) in the world.

“As we see the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet expanding, and the demand for the C 130J remaining strong, we need to expand our specialized support network around the world,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Air Mobility at today’s signing ceremony.  “Marshall Aerospace has unique capability in maintenance, repair and overhaul across all variants of the C-130 platform, including the C-130J Super Hercules, and we are proud of our relationship with them that has spanned many decades.”

Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO Marshall Aerospace, said:  “We are delighted and extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin.  It is an honour to become the world’s first commercial Original Equipment Manufacturer-approved service centre for C-130J CWB replacement.  Together with our existing unique C-130J HMC status, the enhancement of CWB replacement approval will position us perfectly for long term C-130J global fleet sustainment.  This is a significant milestone for Marshall, and builds on our solid reputation for providing innovative engineering solutions.”

Many C-130s around the world can have their service life extended by having the Center Wing Box replaced.  As the main load-bearing component of the C-130’s airframe, it is this structure that usually determines the overall operational life of the aircraft.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Photo: Rob Vogelaar Z.A.P.P