More Details on C-130T Hercules for the Philippine Air Force

Article from Max Defense

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has recently issued a news release pertaining to the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 2 Lockheed C-130T Hercules to the Philippine government, with an estimated worth of $61 million. This deal may include 10 Rolls Royce Allison T56-16 aircraft engines (8 installed and 2 spares), logistical sustainment support for 3 years, modification equipment and labor costs, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentations, aircraft ferry support, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor logistics and technical support services, and other related of logistics and program support.

MaxDefense sources from the DND confirms that the airframe was granted by the US government, and the estimated $61 million costs under FMS may cover the refurbishing and ancillary works included together in the deal, similar to what was done on the 2 Hamilton-class cutters received by the Philippines a few years ago. Being an estimated value, MaxDefense believes that the costs may still increase due to unseen circumstances, or additional expenses incurred during actual refurbishing works. Previous deals with other countries on the sale of EDA legacy C-130 Hercules aircraft shows such increase in actual costs.

A US Navy C-130T doing touch-and-go runs.

Photo taken from Goleta Air & Space Museum website.

The Lockheed C-130T Hercules are actually limited in numbers, with only around 20 units produced and are used by either US Navy and US Marine Corps for logistics support requirements and aerial refueling operations. They were built between 1991 and 1996, and are the last legacy C-130s delivered to the US military before Lockheed Martin proceeded to build the new C-130J Super Hercules. 19 units are operated by various US Navy logistics support squadrons, while 1 was used with the Blue Angels precision aerobatic team as the current "Fat Albert". 19 units were upgraded by BAE Systems with a glass cockpit system, and are equipped with a Garmin GNS 480 GPS system, an electronic flight bag, electronic horizontal situation indicator and engine instrument display system. One unit was reportedly not included in the said upgrades, and MaxDefense believes that unit is the Blue Angels' "Fat Albert".


The Blue Angels' "Fat Albert" exhibition aircraft, although with USMC markings, the aircraft is actually with the US Navy.
Photo taken from Airliners.net c/o Kevin Scott - Jetwash Images.


Upgrades made by Lockheed Martin to the C-130T is said to extend the mission capabilities of the aircraft for another 20 years - and that's according to US standards. This means the PAF has a modern C-130 in its hands, systemtically almost comparable to early Super Hercules at a small fraction of the price.

US Navy C-130T are different from the KC-130T being operated by the US Marine Corps, although both are closely related to the Air Force's C-130H. The US Navy intends to replace the C-130T with the newer C-130J Super Hercules, and it is expected that more C-130Ts will be retired from service, which can also be offered for FMS or grants to friendly countries like the Philippines. Previous MaxDefense blog entries discussed these plans for more C-130s and this current deal might be the first of few more to come.

Being an additional transport asset, it is expected to be operated by the the 220th Airlift Wing based in Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. MaxDefense sources confirms that the offer was made by the US government in the aftermath of the Typhoon Haiyan, although there was a long standing request for EDA C-130s by the Philippines to the US government. It is expected that the US government will offer more C-130s in the near future, depending on the Philippine government's capacity to acquire and maintain more. There are also reports of acquiring C-130H from Australia, but may prove false since Indonesia has reportedly paid for the acquisition of all 9 excess units formerly operated by the Royal Australian Air Force even after the spying scandal between Australia and Indonesia cooled down.

The C-130T's updated cockpit, which was changed to glass cockpit recently by Lockheed Martin. This is a huge difference from the PAF's own C-130B & H models.
Photo taken from Lockheed Martin website.

Although there were reports that the upcoming C-130T are being optimized for dual mission duties as a heavy tactical transport and a long range maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft using palletized systems, MaxDefense has not received confirmation on this. If this was true, MaxDefense will provide updates on the blog entry. But this set-up won't be impossible as Lockheed Martin already made earlier confirmation of offering the DND and PAF of using its C-130s or any other aircraft as a platform to integrate maritime patrol surveillance systems.

Not really an SC-130J, but a C-130T fitted with palletized MPA mission systems can be a welcome addition to the PAF's capability, although smaller aircraft like the C-295 can be a cheaper and more practical alternative.
Photo taken from Lockheed Martin website.

MaxDefense believes though that the C-130 is not the best platform for MPA duties for the PAF, even with its proven track record, reliability, range and stability on adverse weather. This is due to the lack of enough transport assets within the PAF where additional C-130s in the transport role are sorely needed. Its massive size and higher operating costs makes it impractical, especially when compared to contemporary new MPA platforms being offered for the upcoming Long Range Patrol Aircraft. Still, it would be a welcome addition to the PAF's limited capability, and the responsibility to make decision would be PAF's call as they know their requirements better than those outside the system

August 2014 Philippine Air Force Helicopter Down

MANILA - Reports reaching Manila indicated that a Sokol helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), one of the eight PZL W-3A Sokols ordered from Poland, crashed just after take off in Marawi City on Thursday.

The Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr., said the incident happened at around 2:26 p.m. at 103rd Brigade's Camp Ranao.

The helicopter was supposed to serve as backup for Secretary of National Defense, Voltaire T. Gazmin, who was aboard the other helicopter, which safely arrived at its destination at Langundingan Airport about 3:13 PM.

"Thank God all are safe. They're on their way home now, to Manila," Barrientos told Interaksyon.com in a phone interview.

The Department of National defense issued the following statement regarding the incident, in part:

"The helicopter was part of the aerial convoy of Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III.

"We still have no information on the exact identities of the passengers but we were informed that everyone is safe.

"Both Secretary Gazmin and Secretary Roxas were aboard another helicopter when the incident occurred.

"An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of this incident."

When contacted on his mobile phone, the 4th ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, said, after the incident: "We're OK now and on board the second Sokol chopper. Don't worry my friend, we're alive and still kicking."

Visaya said some high government officials were in Marawi for a conference over the Mindanao power shortage issue.

According to Barrientos, the pilot of the Sokol suffered a slight foot injury as the result of the rough landing, but the Sokol may have incurred heavy damage and looks no longer serviceable.

The helicopter was among the eight brand new aircraft purchased by the Department of National Defense (DND) and PAF from PZL Swidnik (now AgustaWestland Åšwidnik) based in Poland two years ago.

The aircraft was once lambasted by President Aquino in his state of the nation address when he pointed out that the door gun was blocking the door opening for mounting and dismounting troops in a combat situation.

Another unit was also once the subject of criticisms when it remained stuck for almost a week on the parade ground at Camp Aguinaldo after it lost power while trying to take off.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/92837/polish-made-paf-helicopter-in-crash-landing-after-marawi-take-off

US to Give C-130 Planes to Philippines

USAF C130 Hercules (photo : avioners)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States will give two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" planes to the Philippines, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang revealed.

In a state report, Catapang disclosed the impending donation in a visit to the 1st Air Division headquarters in Clark Field, Pampanga, citing American military officials.

"I just talked to our US counterparts [and] they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns," Catapang said.

The United States military has deployed a humanitarian mission to the Visayas after the onslaught of deadly typhoon Yolanda, which took thousands of lives and destroyed countless homes.

Catapang said that the Americans extended the offer after learning of President Aquino's plans to acquire new cargo aircrafts for the military.

The existing C-130 planes of the Air Force figured heavily in the transport of relief goods for victims of typhoon Yolanda and equipment needed by government troops involved in the efforts last year.

In November last year, former AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista announced that the country seeks to procure two more C-130 planes to improve disaster relief operations.

"We are in the process of acquiring two more C-130s. As you very well know, we only have three C-130s. In terms of strategic lift, C-130s are very important," Bautista said.

Ideally, he said the Philippine Air Force should have at least nine C-130s.

(PhilStar)

Update Jul 24 2014 
Philippines Proposes C-130T Purchase for PAF

Jon Grevatt, Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter, Bangkok -
IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
24 July 2014

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency announced on 24 July that the Philippines has proposed to purchase, from existing US military stock, two Lockheed Martin C-130T transport aircraft at a cost of USD61 million.

A statement said the sale includes the two aircraft plus 10 Rolls-Royce Allison T56 engines, logistical sustainment and support for three years, associated equipment, spares and training.

It added that the potential Foreign Military Sale will be fulfilled through an open tender and that contractor requirements are still being researched.

The C-130Ts are operated by the US Navy Reserve Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons and were introduced into service in 1991 with deliveries continuing until 1996.

Philippines Finalizing P2.68B Air Defense Radar Deal with Israel

The Philippines is fast tracking the acquisition of air defense surveillance radars from Israel’s Elta Systems so it can monitor intrusions in its air space.The project worth P2.68 billion ($62.85 million*) will fund the installation of radar systems in Palawan to cover the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) and old radar sites Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro and Pasuquin Air Station in Ilocos Norte.

“Palawan is a new location but even the old ones have to be restored or we have to build new basing facilities. This is part of the overall capability upgrade. Even without the incidents that came in recent years, this was already programmed,” Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac told reporters on Wednesday, July 9, after a meeting of the Bids and Awards Committee to discuss the project.

The radar systems cover a 350-nautical mile radius, Batac said.Batac said they are now determining the the proposed values to specific deliverables in the government-to-government project. Aside from the radar systems, the project includes the construction of radar platforms, communication systems, tests, and provision of spare parts.Technical specifications were discussed during the pre-negotiation stage although Batac said this has to be formalized. Limited details were divulged to the media. The committee held an executive session following a discussion of the proposed values.Batac gave assurances that Israel offered “better terms” than other proponents of the project.The project is part of the capability upgrade of the Philippine Air Force, which is also acquiring a squadron of fighter jets from South Korea, long range patrol aircrafts, and anti-submarine helicopters, among other brand new air assets.

The Philippines has one remaining radar system at the Wallace air station in San Fernando, La Union, leaving its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) practically unprotected. The radar system there also has limited range and is no longer fully operational."Your radars are supposed to be 24/7 facilities for purposes of detection against intrusions into our air space," Batac said.The Philippines had first rate air defense capabilities from the 1950s until the early 1990s when radar systems were in place as well as several squadrons of F-86F and fighters like F-5s.The US, which used to maintain bases here, also complemented the country’s air defense capabilities.“Over the years, we have lost almost all of our air defense equipment. Our fighters are old and there are no more spare parts to maintain them,” Batac said.The first radar system is expected to be installed 22 months after the notice to proceed is issued and the letter of credit is signed.

Lockheed has contracted to modify Thai F-16s Radar

Learn more: 
How many F-16 Thailand Air Forces owns? 
The Royal Thai Air Force ordered total of 54 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon aircraft. It received a further 7 F-16A/B aircraft as a donation from Singapore in exchange for the use of training facilities in Thailand by the RSAF.

RTAF F-16 ADF (photo : F-16 net)

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $7,253,896 modification (P00068) to FA8615-07-C-6032 for F-16 production contracts. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $430,377,045. 

This modification incorporates a solution to solve a radar interoperability issue affecting F-16 aircraft produced for Pakistan and Thailand under the basic contract. 

Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2016. 

The contract supports 100 percent foreign military sales for Thailand and Pakistan. 

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WWMK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

(US DoD)

Government of Canada Confirms Sale of 8 Helicopters to Philippine

Canada’s aerospace sector workers to benefit from two-year contract to the Philippines (photo : Mark Kyst) Export Win for Canadian Aerospace Company The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today announced that Canada has signed a US$105-million contract with the Philippines to supply eight specialized helicopters manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. The contract was negotiated under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Philippines’ Department of National Defense. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the MOU during his visit to the Philippines in November 2012. Facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corporation, the Government of Canada’s international government-to-government contracting organization, the eight helicopters will be manufactured at Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel, Quebec, plant over the next two years, solidifying Quebec’s reputation for excellence in aircraft manufacturing and services. Aerospace is a priority sector under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan. Quick Facts As one of Canada’s largest exporters, the Canadian aerospace industry exports nearly 80 percent of its products. Canadian exports of aircraft, aircraft engines and aircraft parts reached a near-record high of $10.8 billion in 2013, a 5.4 percent increase from the year before. Canada’s aerospace industry comprises more than 700 companies of all sizes from coast to coast and employs more than 170,000 Canadians. In 2012-13, the Canadian Commercial Corporation was active in 72 countries with more than 210 Canadian companies, signing contracts worth approximately $1 billion. Barry Kohler, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd : “For 28 years, Bell Helicopter has been the only domestic helicopter original-equipment manufacturer in Canada. Our 2,000 employees have produced over 4,300 helicopters at our Mirabel facility and have been a crucial part of both Bell’s commercial manufacturing strategy and the Canadian aerospace industry. We appreciate the Government of Canada’s assistance in supporting our export opportunities and winning this contract.” . (Government of Canada)

South Korea To Export Light Attack Jets to Philippines/ Hàn Quốc bán máy bay chiến đấu cho Philippines

                                         FA-50

Migrace14 http://miragec14.blogspot.tw/2013/10/south-korea-to-export-light-attack-jets.html

South Korea is set to export its light combat aircraft to the Philippines, as the leaders of both countries agreed to bolster cooperation in the defense industry.
President Park Geun-hye and her Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino III signed a memorandum of understanding that calls for greater cooperation in the arms industry as part of efforts to further cement economic ties between the two nations.
Seoul and Manila have been negotiating the export of the FA-50, a light attack variant of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer aircraft jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The FA-50 is armed with air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles and machine guns, as well as precision-guided bombs, such as joint direct-attack munitions and sensor-fused weapons. Fitted with Israel Elta System’s EL/M-2032 PULSE Doppler radar with a range of 100 kilometers, the jet is suitable for close-air support missions.
Indonesia was the first customer of the FA-50 variant with a 2011 order for 16 T-50i planes. KAI delivered four T-50i aircraft to the Indonesian air force last month.
The Philippines wants to purchase 12 FA-50s to respond to potential territorial disputes with China. Manila has no fighter aircraft available after the retirement of F-5s in 2005.

Source: http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131017/DEFREG03/310170020/S-Korea-Export-Light-Attack-Jets-Philippines?odyssey=mod|nextstory