The UK’s Marshall Aerospace has secured a contract to perform modifications and servicing on the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) fleet of C-130B Hercules transport aircraft, as well as supporting subsequent in-country modification work, the company announced on 14 August 2023.
Marshall will initially modify one aircraft, replacing the existing secondary flight display (SFD) and implementing an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast – Out (ADSB-Out): an internationally required system for determining and periodically broadcasting the aircraft’s location without the use of ground-based interrogation signals. This initial C-130 arrived at Marshall’s facilities in Cambridge on 11 August.
Following testing and verification of these modifications on the first aircraft, Marshall will also supply South African state-owned company Denel with service bulletin kits containing all parts, components and instructions needed to perform the same modifications on the other four C-130Bs in SAAF service. Marshall will also train Denel and SAAF technicians on the modification implementation processes.
Under the new contract Marshall will additionally perform depth maintenance, which will involve comprehensive inspections, repairs, and rectification work.
“We are delighted to have been asked to support the SAAF and Denel with our unique technical capability and platform knowhow in order to extend the lifespan of these aircraft,” Marshall Aerospace Managing Director Neil McManus was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Having yet another global operator flag in our hangars highlights our well-established leadership as a global C-130 support specialist and our reputation for quality work.”
Marshall previously led a comprehensive multi-year upgrade programme for the SAAF C-130 fleet roughly 20 years ago. The programme entailed installation of a digital autopilot, flight displays, a navigation systems upgrade, communications and self-defence integration, and enhancements to the electrical generation system. Since the completion of these upgrades in-country maintenance of the fleet has been performed by Denel.
Peter Felstead
