The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina, FAA) has been increasing efforts to improve its fleet and received its last modernised Lockheed C-130H/KC-130H Hercules military transport aircrafts. The modernisation of the five units of the aircraft was conducted by state-owned company FAdeA (Fábrica Argentina de Aviones SA) with the resources of the Argentine National Defence Fund (Fondo Nacional de la Defensa, FONDEF). The delivery ceremony of the fifth upgraded aircraft was conducted on 23 December in the facilities of the FAdeA. The improvements added to the C-130 will enable the Argentine Air Force to operate this system for at least 20 years.
FAdeA, as a service center authorized by Lockheed Martin for the maintenance of the C-130 Hercules, offers various modernization programs for the systems of this aircraft, including modification of avionics, auxiliary systems and engines. Currently, FAdeA is performing the modernization of the Argentine Air Force C-130 Hercules, which mainly includes modification of the cabin to a full glass cockpit, new communication and cooling systems, propeller control system, new wiring, installation of LCU (Local Control Unit), APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), GCU (Generator Control Unit) and engine overhaul. In addition, if required, structural modifications or replacements can be made.
The Fábrica Argentina de Aviones SA (FAdeA), officially Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brigadier San Martín” S.A., is Argentina’s main aircraft manufacturer. Founded on 10 October 1927 and located in Córdoba, for most of its existence it was known as Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA), until its privatization in the 1990s to Lockheed Martin. The United States Department of State announced that effective 18 December 2009, Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina would be renamed to Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brigadier San Martin” S.A. and divested to the Government of Argentina.
