Press Release - Ministry of Defence: Hercules C-130 Tactical
Fixed Wing Airlift Capability
27 June 2008
Despite a decreasing fleet size, and an increasing need for
maintenance and upgrades, the Ministry of Defence is meeting the
requirement for Hercules aircraft to transport military personnel
and freight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hercules aircraft are
available to fly on planned missions 85 per cent of the time,
according to a report released today by the National Audit
Office.
Increased stress on the aircraft has been caused by landing on
unpaved airstrips in Iraq and Afghanistan, additional use of air
drops, as well as a change from transporting people and equipment
over long distances to making short flights in theatre. More ‘wear
and tear’ has resulted, and increased maintenance costs. Fatigue,
which decreases the life span of the wings, is accumulating more
rapidly than in the past. The Department has had to retire four
aircraft during 2006 and plans to retire a further five C-130Ks
during this year, ahead of their planned retirement date of 2010.
The Department will also need to address shortened wing life on the
newer C-130J.
The initial estimate for the number and type of spares for the
C-130J was inaccurate, leading to some spares shortages. Whilst the
shortages have not been allowed to affect aircraft deployed in
Afghanistan or Iraq, on average Hercules C-130J have been unable to
fly for 24 days a year for lack of parts. The Department has a
shortage of engineering staff, and the RAF estimates that
additional personnel would give increased aircraft
availability.
The focus on operations has meant there are fewer aircraft
available for training. Aircrew on operations in Iraq and
Afghanistan fly on average 60 hours per month, as opposed to 13
hours for aircrew based in the UK. Simulators are not able to
replicate fully flying the Hercules C-130, as they have not kept
pace with modifications and upgrades to the aircraft. As a result,
there is a danger that the broader skills base of crews could be
eroded in the future.
There are also significant risks to the future ability of the
Department to provide sufficient airlift to the armed forces. These
include the withdrawal from service of the Hercules C-130K, the
late delivery of the planned A400M transport aircraft, and a
reduction in the anticipated service life of the C-130Js wings from
flying in more challenging environments during operations. These
issues could leave the RAF with a shortage of fixed wing
aircraft.
Tim Burr, head of the National Audit Office, said
today:
"The MoD’s focus has been on supporting troops in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Under difficult circumstances, it has ensured the
armed forces have the Hercules aircraft they need. But delays to
the A400M aircraft, as well as the stresses and strains caused by
sustained operational use of the existing Hercules fleet, are
stretching both aircraft and aircrew and could in time pose risks
to their future effectiveness."
Notes for Editors
- The Hercules aircraft makes up 60 per cent of the MoD’s current
air transport assets. The RAF has operated the aircraft for the
movement of military personnel and freight for over 40 years,
initially with the older K model and from 1999 with a combined
fleet including the newer J model.
- Press notices and reports are available from the date of
publication on the NAO website, which is at www.nao.org.uk. Hard
copies can be obtained from The Stationery Office on 0845 702
3474.
- The Comptroller and Auditor General, Tim Burr, is the head of
the National Audit Office which employs some 850 staff. He and the
NAO are totally independent of Government. He certifies the
accounts of all Government departments and a wide range of other
public sector bodies; and he has statutory authority to report to
Parliament on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which
departments and other bodies have used their resources.
Press Notice 30/08
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