Tata-Lockheed Martin Joint Venture Delivers 200th C-130J Super Hercules Empennage
Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) celebrated a significant achievement as it delivered the 200th C-130J Super Hercules empennage, marking a milestone in its partnership and contributions to the Make in India initiative.
TLMAL, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, was established in Adibatla, Hyderabad, in 2010. The experience has been a shining example of the Make in India initiative. It is the sole global supplier of C-130J empennage assemblies used in all new Super Hercules aircraft produced in Marietta, Georgia, USA.
The empennage, which constitutes the tail structure of an aircraft, includes horizontal and vertical stabilizers, leading edges, and tip assemblies. TLMAL’s team has also been responsible for manufacturing center wing box components for earlier C-130 model aircraft. Additionally, they introduced a state-of-the-art 4,700 square-meter metal-to-metal bonding facility in April 2018. Currently, TLMAL employs a dedicated workforce of 650 individuals.
In March of this year, Tata Group and Lockheed Martin signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate fighter wing production. This decision was based on TLMAL’s demonstration of its capability to produce one of the most complex aerostructures, a fuel-carrying 9G, 12,000-hour, interchangeable/replaceable fighter wing. This move solidifies Lockheed Martin’s partnership with India and highlights the confidence in the F-21 offering for procuring 114 new fighter aircraft exclusively for the Indian Air Force.
Rod McLean, Vice President, and General Manager of the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin stated, “The C-130J is known as the world’s workhorse not just for its large global presence, but also for its international supply chain partners including TLMAL.” He further highlighted the significance of each TLMAL-produced empennage in enabling the C-130J Super Hercules to undertake critical missions across the globe.
TLMAL’s empennages are featured in C-130Js operated by multiple nations, including India. These aircraft serve vital roles in search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol, special operations, aerial refueling, commercial cargo transport, medevac, and humanitarian response missions.
Sukaran Singh, CEO, and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, expressed pride in reaching the remarkable milestone of producing the 200th empennage for the C-130J Super Hercules in India. He emphasized the partnership’s success and unrivaled manufacturing and operational excellence achieved over more than a decade.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the established standard in tactical airlift, renowned for its versatility and performance across missions. This variant of the C-130 Hercules has been embraced by 21 nations worldwide as the preferred airlifter.