The Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate (DAAA) recently approved a contract for the technical-logistical support of the Italian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules airlifter fleet. The agreement, which lasts five years and is worth a total of 380 million euros, was signed on Jan. 28, 2022, between the Italian Air Force and the Temporary Business Grouping (RTI) formed by Leonardo, Avio Aero and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Contract activities, as defined by the Logistic Command’s 2nd Division, include the implementation of a technical-logistical model that provides integrated logistical support (ILS), “in house” engineering support and “on-site” support through operational technical representatives at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa. Aircraft maintenance activities, planned and managed by at the Air Force Logistic Command’s 11th Maintenance Depot in Sigonella, are also envisaged at Leonardo plant in Tessera near Venice and Avio Aero plant in Brindisi as complementary support to those provided on the Pisa base, as well as repairs, spare parts, material logistics, inspection activities, software, and technical publications maintenance and updates.
Dario Marfè, SVP Marketing, Sales, Customer Support & Services at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division said: “The finalization of this important agreement confirms the validity of our Customer Support model which, thanks to a state-of-the-art national and global support structure, allows us to provide our customers with dedicated technical-logistical support services, guaranteeing operational continuity to the fleets and, for operators, the readiness to carry out any type of mission, as in the case of the C-130J operated by the Italian Air Force.”
Pierfederico Scarpa, VP Strategy, Marketing and Sales at Avio Aero said: “This contract undoubtedly represents a further consolidation of our historic partnership with the Italian Air Force. The C-130J fleet is indeed one of the most strategic of the whole armed force. Furthermore, under this agreement, Avio Aero will provide a “Performance-Based Logistics” service to support the AE 2100D3 engines. This is an innovative and increasingly used model that in this case will allow Avio Aero not only to optimize performance, but also to implement ever more effective and functional solutions in response to the needs of the Italian Air Force.”
Trish Pagan, Vice President of International Programs at Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business said: “Aeronautica Militare C-130J crews continually exemplify the C-130J’s unmatched and proven airlift and refueling capabilities. This partnership allows Lockheed Martin to pair our Original Equipment Manufacturer insights with our trusted partners at Leonardo and Avio Aero to ensure Italy’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet is ready to support any mission — any time, anywhere.”
Quadri-engine airlifter, suitable also for paratroopers and materials airdrop, the C-130J Super Hercules has been in service since 2000 as part of the transport aircraft component of the Italian Air Force. Besides supporting military operational tasks, the 46th Air Brigade’s C-130J fleet, which is stationed in Pisa, frequently perform humanitarian, civil protection and urgent medical air transport missions, also in bio-containment. Italy’s C-130Js also played a fundamental role during the long health emergency due to Covid-19, carrying out numerous missions for the transport of urgent medical material and people in imminent danger of life.
