Taiwan to renew fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft

The Taiwanese Air Force has unveiled plans to upgrade its fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft for more than $300 million.

Here's What We Know

Starting next year, 19 aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin will have new integrated cockpit interfaces, as well as improved global positioning and collision avoidance systems. The aircraft's landing gear will also be updated to ensure it fully supports a variety of military missions.

In addition, the Hercules will reportedly receive modern communications systems and new electronic warfare equipment.

If approved, the modernisation of the C-130 fleet will cost approximately NT$10 billion ($309 million), and the upgrade process could last until 2030.

The Taiwanese Air Force bought 20 of these aircraft from the United States in the early 1980s to transport troops and cargo. However, the service lost one in 1997 in a crash at Taipei Sunshan Airport.

Flashback

The C-130 Hercules is a transport aircraft with four T-56-A-15 turboprop engines. It can carry up to 19,958 kilograms of payload. In addition, it has a range of 3,218 kilometres and can fly at speeds of up to 643 kilometres per hour.

Source: Focus Taiwan