TLMAL delivers 100th C-130J Super Hercules empennage

Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL) has delivered the 100th C-130J Super Hercules empennage from its manufacturing facility located near Hyderabad.

The delivery milestone highlights the success of Lockheed Martin’s Make in India partnership with Tata.

TLMAL, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, was established in 2010 in Hyderabad.

TLMAL has the distinction of being the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies that are installed on all-new Super Hercules aircraft produced in Marietta, Georgia, in the US.

Empennage assemblies produced by TLMAL include the aircraft’s horizontal and vertical stabilisers, along with leading edges and tip assemblies. The TLMAL team has previously manufactured sets of C-130J centre wing box components, and introduced a new cutting-edge 4,700 sq m metal-to-metal bonding facility in May 2018. TLMAL currently employs 500 people.

“It is a moment of great pride and honour for TLMAL as it delivers the 100th empennage. The joint venture has been a great example of a successful US-India industrial partnership and a testimony to Lockheed Martin’s and Tata’s intent to develop aerospace manufacturing in India,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TASL.

TLMAL empennages have been included in C-130Js that have supported critical worldwide search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol, special operations, aerial refuelling, Medevac and humanitarian response missions. TLMAL empennages are also included in the LM-100J ─ the commercial variant of the Super Hercules.

“The C-130J has a global presence, both in its operations as well as in its core structure, as exemplified by its TLMAL-built empennage,” said Karmyn Norwood, Vice-President of International Programmes for Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “I’ve been privileged to watch our TLMAL partnership grow significantly in terms of capability over the past few years. This growth is due, in large part, to the outstanding team that builds these empennages. This team’s pride and commitment to quality is built into each and every empennage!”

The C-130J Super Hercules is the current variant of the C-130 Hercules and is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 11 C-130J-30s and has ordered an additional C-130J Super Hercules.