Collins Aerospace to upgrade the C-130 aircraft for US Navy


According to a press release published by Collins Aerospace on May 6, 2021, the company continues to help C-130 operators reduce maintenance time and cost with its long-lasting wheels and carbon brakes.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 C-130T US Navy VR-54 "Revelers" (Picture source: Wikipedia)


The business, a unit of Raytheon Technologies, announced it has completed its first upgrade of the U.S. Navy’s fleet of C-130T and KC-130T aircraft with new wheels and brakes.

Collins’ C-130 brakes, which feature its proprietary DURACARB® carbon heat sink material, can allow for 2,000 landings per overhaul compared to 250 landings per overhaul experienced by operators of the C-130’s current system. That lifespan is eight times longer, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost. In addition, the brakes are capable of handling higher energy than the aircraft’s existing equipment, which increases the safety margin when stopping heavily-loaded C-130s.

The boltless wheels feature an innovative lock-ring design and higher fatigue life than the current C-130 system, also reducing maintenance times and costs for operators. Additionally, the combined wheel and brake assembly contain 17 percent fewer parts than the C-130’s existing equipment, further simplifying maintenance and service.

Collins is a leading provider of wheels and brakes for military platforms, including the U.S. Air Force’s F-15, F-16, C-5, C-130, and Global Hawk fleets. Recently, the company was selected by the U.S. Air Force to design and develop a new wheel and carbon brake for the B-52. Collins has also completed wheel and brake upgrades for several air forces around the globe. In total, the company provides wheels and brakes for more than half of all active C-130s worldwide.

The mission of the C-130T Logistics Support Aircraft is to provide logistics support to Navy fleet operating forces. The C-130T Aircraft provides rapid transportation for personnel or cargo for delivery by parachute or landing. The aircraft can be used as a tactical transport, or readily converted for an ambulance or aerial delivery missions.

The aircraft can land and take off on short runways and can be used on landing strips such as those found in advanced base operations. It can provide mission capabilities such as the emergency evacuation of personnel and key equipment, advanced party reconnaissance, and special warfare operations, as directed.

The C-130T Aircraft provides rapid logistics support to Navy operating forces. It can be configured to provide transportation of personnel or cargo. Delivery of cargo may be accomplished by parachute, low-level fly-by ground extraction, or landing. The aircraft can be used as tactical transports and can be converted readily for an ambulance or aerial delivery missions. As a tactical transport, the C-130T Aircraft can carry 92 ground troops or 64 paratroopers and equipment. It can be configured as a medical evacuation platform capable of carrying 74 litters. The C-130T Aircraft can land and take off on short runways and can be used on primitive landing strips in advanced base areas.