THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
100/2009
C-130J HERCULES MAINTENANCE KICKS OFF
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has
announced the commencement of the C-130J Hercules through life support
program at RAAF Base Richmond.
“Under a $292 million contract, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130Js
will today be inducted to an Australian Aerospace facility at RAAF Base
Richmond for their routine deeper level maintenance servicing,” said Mr
Combet.
“A total of 12 C-130J Hercules are operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF
Base Richmond. Three are deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations to
provide airlift support to Operation Slipper – Australia's military contribution to
Afghanistan.
“The Defence Materiel Organisation, Royal Australian Air Force, Australian
Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will work closely in order to provide ongoing
support to the C-130J aircraft fleet, thereby increasing availability to the Air
Force.
“I am pleased to advise that the contract is expected to create 80 additional
industry jobs in the North West Sydney region.
“The initial contract is for five-years and was awarded to Australian Aerospace
and sub-contractor Lockheed Martin. Further annual contract extensions will
be linked to contractor performance and cost reduction.
“The Government expects a performance based contracting regime will
improve the reliability of the C-130J through encouraging better innovation in
maintenance practices and greater efficiency.”
Under the contract, Australian Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will deliver
services including aircraft maintenance, engineering and supply chain
management. C-130J engine support will continue to be provided by
StandardAero under an existing contract arrangement.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
