UK strikes tech deals for C-130J aircraft, Typhoon jets

FAIRFORD, England — British Royal Air Force C-130J's will receive a major modification to allow the airlifter to extend its service life out to 2035, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced.

The £110 million (U.S. $142 million) deal with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group will see the company fit a new center wing box on the Hercules aircraft, Fallon said on the opening day of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in England on July 14.

Marshall Aerospace will install the new structure on the 14-strong fleet of C-130Js largely used by Britain's special forces.

Cambridge-based Marshall Aerospace has already undertaken the maintenance and upgrade of C-130s for the Air Force as part of a long-term support deal.

Aside from the Hercules deal, Fallon also announced a £9.5 million deal with QinetiQ to provide Typhoon jet pilots with updated cockpit training equipment at RAF Waddington.

The two deals follow an announcement by the defense secretary‎ that the Air Force will receive an updated defensive aids suite for the Typhoon. The £40 million pound, two-year program is being undertaken by the Leonardo-led EuroDass consortium. A sizeable portion of the contract value is accounted for by integrator BAE Systems and others.

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