ST Aero Plans C-130 modernisation
FLight International 1-7 July 2003
Singapore technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) plans to develop a Lockheed martin C-130 Avionics upgrade programme for operators seeking modernisation alternatives cheaper than the package Boeing is devloping for the US Air Force.
President Tay Kok Khiang says ST Aero is in talks with several potential launch customers and partners for a C-130 upgrade that includes "at a minimum , enhancements to a reliability and obsolescence problems" . The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is seeking an upgrade to bring its mixed fleet of 10 C-130Es and C-130Hs to a common confirguration, but ST Aero says the RSAF will "not necessary " launch its porgramme.
"We have come up with various options that we are in talks with various customers on," Tay says.
ST Aero has held a discussion with several possible suppliers, including BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Industry sources say some larger compaines, including BAE, are trying to convince ST Aero to forge a joint venture, but so far the companying only looking for subcontractors.
"We prefer to be prime because of the fact it enables us to really influence the outcome of the programme," Tay says.
IAI and Lockheed Martin have begun developing their own C-130 avionics upgrade package while Boeing is working on the more comprehensive Avionics Modernisation Programme for the US Air Force, which is believe to be too costly to yield many sales outside the USA. BAE and Raytheon have been looking ways to enter market since losing the US competiton with Boeing in 2001.
ST Aero is already partner with BAE and Lockheed Martin on an F-16C/D cockpit upgrade programme. A prototype flew in Feburary 2002 and ST Aero continues to add capabilities to the product.
"Because of the slow market there's been no serious taers so far, although there are one, two or three partners we are talking to with Lockheed Martin," Tay says.