SAAF C-130's Still Grounded
GunsssR4ever
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SAAF C-130's Still Grounded
From News 24 Headlines :
(where did the cracks came from .. ? Missing main spar - sold maybe ? Nigerians .. )
Erika Gibson
Pretoria - The largest part of the airforce's Hercules C-130 fleet - its primary air-transport component - will probably be out of action for the next six to eight months at least.
Only then will a specialist from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of the aircraft, be able to inspect the South African aircraft to determine if and when they can continue flying.
Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano, head of the South African Air Force, said there would be a long waiting period for parts, even after the inspection had taken place.
Gagiano had been holding talks on Wednesday with Major-General Michael Gould, commander of the American air force's European division (USAF).
Seven of the air force's nine C-130s have been out of service since February because of cracks in the wingspans.
South African planes are not the only ones to have been affected - so have other air forces across the globe, including America, which use the older model of this 41-year-old plane.
Airbus alternative not ideal
The American air force withdrew 30 of these planes from service, with another 60 being allowed to undertake only limited flights.
According to Gagiano, the possible acquisition of the Airbus 400M freight planes as replacements for the C-130s is not yet definite.
"No contract has been signed with Airbus yet."
However, South Africa did sign an earlier agreement - as the only non-Nato country - to become a member of a pool of co-manufacturers of the 400M.
It has the option to acquire eight of the planes by 2010.
Gagiano says the Airbus is an expensive aircraft and, in certain respects, it's too sophisticated to take over the role of C-130s.
Playing a role in stabilising Africa
He said it was an expensive aircraft to use in dangerous operational situations, when it might be under fire.
It should rather be used to transport personnel and equipment for long distances.
Gould said he and Gagiano would continue to confer after his visit to see how the American air force could help South Africa.
Stabilising Africa is part of responsibility of the USAF in Europe.
Gould said the USAF could help South Africa with its interim air-transport capabilities.
Two of their C-130 aircraft helped with the deployment of Nigerian soldiers in Sudan as part of the African Union's forces there.
Pretoria - The largest part of the airforce's Hercules C-130 fleet - its primary air-transport component - will probably be out of action for the next six to eight months at least.
Only then will a specialist from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of the aircraft, be able to inspect the South African aircraft to determine if and when they can continue flying.
Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano, head of the South African Air Force, said there would be a long waiting period for parts, even after the inspection had taken place.
Gagiano had been holding talks on Wednesday with Major-General Michael Gould, commander of the American air force's European division (USAF).
Seven of the air force's nine C-130s have been out of service since February because of cracks in the wingspans.
South African planes are not the only ones to have been affected - so have other air forces across the globe, including America, which use the older model of this 41-year-old plane.
Airbus alternative not ideal
The American air force withdrew 30 of these planes from service, with another 60 being allowed to undertake only limited flights.
According to Gagiano, the possible acquisition of the Airbus 400M freight planes as replacements for the C-130s is not yet definite.
"No contract has been signed with Airbus yet."
However, South Africa did sign an earlier agreement - as the only non-Nato country - to become a member of a pool of co-manufacturers of the 400M.
It has the option to acquire eight of the planes by 2010.
Gagiano says the Airbus is an expensive aircraft and, in certain respects, it's too sophisticated to take over the role of C-130s.
Playing a role in stabilising Africa
He said it was an expensive aircraft to use in dangerous operational situations, when it might be under fire.
It should rather be used to transport personnel and equipment for long distances.
Gould said he and Gagiano would continue to confer after his visit to see how the American air force could help South Africa.
Stabilising Africa is part of responsibility of the USAF in Europe.
Gould said the USAF could help South Africa with its interim air-transport capabilities.
Two of their C-130 aircraft helped with the deployment of Nigerian soldiers in Sudan as part of the African Union's forces there.
(where did the cracks came from .. ? Missing main spar - sold maybe ? Nigerians .. )
Yes, Him
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the option to acquire eight of the planes by 2010.
AFAIK they haven't even started cutting metal on the A400 prototype yet. Lots of nice glossy brochures & computer generated videos is all.
Your Transalls still mothballed or flying again?
Está servira para distraerle.
The Commander in Chief of the world's most powerful navy has one of his battle fleets refused entry into Capetown harbour by a jackass goverment, nuclear regulator or what have you.
Is it really so very likely that The Commander in Chief of the world's most powerful air force, whose contracts virtually run Lockheed Martin, going to rush to the support of that same government?
I would imagine the Nigerian C-130's are good to go on the wing spar cracks....but alas...no engines...missing other minor bits....might be a problem but the the wing spars....not enough wear on them to matter.
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Gainesy wrote:
First metal was finally cut in January this year. This was the milling of the first of 18 lower fuselage frames for the centre fuselage section.
AFAIK they haven't even started cutting metal on the A400 prototype yet. Lots of nice glossy brochures & computer generated videos is all.
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Seven of the air force's nine C-130s have been out of service since February because of cracks in the wingspans
