Planes Will Replace 60s-Vintage Models

A quick turnaround by the Air Force Security Assistance Center at Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base -- and other AFMC Foreign Military Sales (FMS) organizations -- has helped to strengthen the tactical airlift capability of the Norwegian Air Force, by arranging for the sale of four C-130J-30 aircraft.

The $516 million case is slated to provide two aircraft in 2008, one in 2009 and the fourth in 2010. The new aircraft will replace C-130H models originally purchased in 1969.

"This is important not only because of the vital tactical airlift capability it brings to a key NATO ally, but it also marks the first sale of the new J model via FMS," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reheiser, AFSAC Commander and a C-130 pilot himself.

The need for a quick response to the Norwegian initial request was twofold, according to Russ Burton, Norway command country manager for AFSAC.
There were three proposals before the Norwegian Parliament, he said. One was to purchase a different aircraft, another was to refurbish the older C-130Hs and the third was to purchase the new C-130J-30s.

"The Norwegian Ministry needed the specifics from us to properly inform their Parliament," Mr. Burton said. "And that meant we had to act fast."

The DoD standard for processing a request of this nature, including navigating the inherent legal hurdles, arranging production schedules, set prices, etc., is 180 days. With the help and support of the Aeronautical System Center's 516th Aeronautical Systems Group, and the staff of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs AFSAC processed Norway's request in less than half that time.

The other reason prompting quick action was the need to deliver the initial aircraft as quickly as possible which required additional negotiation with Lockheed Martin to accommodate their production schedule.

The complete package, referred to as a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, includes the four aircraft, spare parts, technical publications and training.

The aircraft will be used for intra-theater support for Norway's troops involved in worldwide operations, according to Burton. Additionally, the aircraft will be used for humanitarian relief operations in various locations to include Sudan, the Middle East and Afghanistan.

FMI: https://afsac.wpafb.af.mil/