The Ministry of Defense and the Argentine Air Force (FAA) formally presented the fifth modernized C-130H, together with the Pampa advanced trainer aircraft, which was recovered from the depot and upgraded to the latest standard.
The presentation ceremony of these two aircraft, held at the Aeroparque Military Air Station (AMA) of the Jorge Newbery Metropolitan Airport, was in charge of the Argentine Minister of Defense, Jorge Taiana, accompanied by the Chief of the Argentine Air Force, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac, the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Juan Martin Paleo, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Navy, Admiral Julio Guardia.
Both the C-130H (registration TC-64) and the IA-63 Pampa III Block II trainer were fully modernized at the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones «Brigadier San Martín» SA (FAdeA) with contributions from the National Defense Fund (FONDEF).
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«This is the result of a political decision and a re-equipment strategy based on the FONDEF law, which provides the resources to move in this direction. We are going to use the aircrafts not only for transportation, but also to strengthen the deployment, control and surveillance of our territory,» said Minister Taiana.
Pampa III Block II
The Pampa aircraft presented today was originally a Pampa II series aircraft and had been out of service for a long time. The modernization process required a major inspection for 1200 hours and an eventual inspection of the electrical system, flight command, hydraulic system, anemometric system, oxygen and structure.
At the same time, it was re-engined and modernized from Pampa II to Pampa III Block II, with changes due to obsolescence, installation of a new engine, change to digital avionics and modification of the cockpit. It also received the modification of the oxygen system, the incorporation of a new mission computer, new navigation and firing system, and installation of a new Head Up Display (HUD) and Data Link.
The new Pampa III – Block II configuration has a state-of-the-art technological update, which significantly improves the flight analysis capabilities through the incorporation of a virtual training software and a communication system between aircrafts, favoring their performance and the training of Argentine Air Force pilots.
C-130H
The Hercules C-130, registration TC-64, is the last aircraft included in the modernization and obsolescence removal program, which involved five Hercules aircraft of the Argentine Air Force, extending their useful life for at least 20 years and significantly improving their performance.
The most relevant modernized systems include a duplicate flight control system, Commercial Satellite Communication (SATCOM); Pilot Controlled Data Link Communication System; Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System; Collision Prevention System; Color Weather Radar, and Enhanced Environmental Control System, among others.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that a major structural repair was carried out, which included the replacement of the Raibow Fitting, a significant task that included the disassembly of its surfaces, the replacement of parts damaged by fatigue and corrosion, as well as the reassembly of the aircraft’s structural components and systems involved.
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It was also informed that the FAA’s Hercules L-100-30 (registration TC-100) is currently undergoing a complete overhaul at FAdeA’s facilities, where it will soon begin its respective modernization works.
Future incorporations
After the ceremony, Minister Taiana told the press that during this month the FAA will be receiving a new TC-12B Huron (the fourth) and a new Saab 340. Both aircraft will have the mission of improving connectivity in the most isolated areas of the country, as well as logistic transport and liaison missions within the Force.
In turn, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac added that negotiations are underway for the future incorporation of an additional C-130 «which will not mean a significant expenditure in the Force’s budget», which confirms the information published by Aviacionline about the search for a new Hercules for the FAA, which could be incorporated under the leasing modality (lease with option to purchase).
