First two C-130BZ Hercules handed over
Date: 6 October 2001
The first two C-130Bs to complete the full avionic upgrade to C-130BZ standard have been redelivered. The two aircraft, 407 and 408, left Marshall Aerospace's Cambridge facility on 8 August for AFB Waterkloof. Of the two, 407 had arrived at Cambridge in April 1997, followed by 408 in June 1999, with 407 being the first to re-fly on 27 November 1999 after the extensive cockpit upgrade. An extensive flight test programmme followed, during which 407 completed 80 flights 408 nine flights before formal customer acceptance of both aircraft at Cambridge on 24 July.
Following return home, the Release to Operations Test and Evaluation phase was due to commence in South Africa during September. The third aircraft at Cambridge, 409, was also due for completion and return to the SAAF in Early September, following which the remaining six aircraft will be completed by Denel Aviation in South Africa under subcontract to Marshalls.
Air International
