Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has commenced work on the first of three Hercules C-130Ks for the Austrian Air Force; where the work comprises maintenance and an avionics modification to address obsolescence issues and to overcome operational restrictions in European airspace. Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, comments: “We are delighted to have commenced work on this important three-aircraft programme for the Austrian Air Force, as the fitting of equipment marks a key project milestone, from design and development to installation.” Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group’s relationship with the Austrian Air Force dates back to 2000, when three C-130Ks (all formerly UK RAF aircraft) were purchased and modified. Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has since been supporting the Austrian Air Force by performing all maintenance work. Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is a ‘Sister Design Authority’ to Lockheed Martin for the C-130K family and, as the systems integrator on this programme, is managing a complex supply chain; and the systems being replaced or installed include Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI) and Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI) displays, the autopilot and a standby flight instrument.

Work on the three aircraft will be performed in line with maintenance inputs, with delivery and return to service of the third aircraft expected in early 2015.

Marshall Aerospace press release