AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2001
Fed: RAAF finally accepts new Hercules transports into service
The RAAF has today officially accepted 12 new Hercules transport planes into service
-- six years after they were ordered, and three years after the first aircraft was delivered.
Chief of the Air Force Air Marshall ANGUS HOUSTON has formally accepted delivery at
a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales.
The new planes -- which cost about $50 million each -- feature computer-controlled
engines and maintenance support systems, plus fully digital instruments.
The air force says the new design provides better performance in the areas of payload
capacity, cruise speed, endurance and take-off distance.
Australia ordered the 12 C-130J Hercules transports from manufacturers Lockheed sight
unseen in December 1995.
The first was expected to be delivered by early 1997, but there were delays in gaining
certification from US authorities and integrating the aircraft's software.
AAP RTV mb/daw/tb/rp
KEYWORD: HERCULES (CANBERRA)
2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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