Defense giant, lockheedmartin, aanounced that French and German C-130J ® Super Hercules aircrews and maintainers will train in a brand-new shared facility, built and equipped by the company. The training center will support the countries’ binational C-130J Super Hercules Squadron, consisting of ten Hercs.
Lockheed Martin will provide training devices, the learning management system, courseware and options for five years of training services under the terms of a new direct commercial sale (DCS) contract, allowing for in-country learning.
Located on Évreux-Fauville Air Base in the Normandy region of France, the training center will provide training for both C-130J-30 airlifter and KC-130J tanker aircraft under a first-of-its-kind partnership in the entire scope of 65 years of Hercules history. The countries will share the training center and aircraft, which are used for aerial refueling, air drop and cargo missions.
Lockheed Martin will break ground on the training center in 2021 and aircrew and maintainers will begin training in the center in 2024.
“The French/German C-130J Binational Training Center will allow both countries to train pilots and maintainers on the full capability of these proven aircraft,” said Tom Gordon, Lockheed Martin, vice president of Training and Simulation Solutions. “Lockheed Martin is honored to support this historic partnership and proud to work directly with our customers in establishing a first-of-its kind resource that will benefit Super Hercules crew members for decades to come.”