MALAYSIA HAS SIGNED A contract with Flight Refueling (FRL) and Lockheed Aeronautical Systems, to convert two C-130H transport aircraft, in to air-to-air refueling tankers.
The conversions will be carried out locally, by Malaysian aircraft overhaul and maintenance company Airod. Lockheed Martin will provide an interface, with FRL supplying the KC-130s probe-and-drogue pods and fuselage tanks.
The work will consist of fitting two removable under-wing MK.32B hose-drum units, installing a 13,640litre roll-on/roll-off fuel tank, together with a supporting cradle, in the transport's cargo hold, and a cockpit fuel-control panel.
The two KC-130s will be used to support the Malaysian air force's new British Aerospace Hawk 200 and planned McDonnell Douglas F-18D strike aircraft.
Malaysia is negotiating to buy additional new C-130s to offset the tanker conversions and boost its transport fleet.
Indonesia is also looking for a new tanker to replace its two elderly KC-130Bs. It's more immediate priority however, is to repair and overhaul eight grounded C-130s and return the aircraft to military service.
Source: Flight International
