USAF Super Hercules set to benefit from longer-lasting brakes
A USAF airman replaces a hubcap of a front wheel belonging to a C-130J Super Hercules. (Photo: USAF/Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi)
Collins Aerospace is providing wheels and brakes for USAF C-130Js that last up to eight times longer than existing equipment.
The USAF and Lockheed Martin have selected Collins Aerospace to provide wheels and brakes for 60 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft currently in production.
Collins noted in a 20 September statement that its brakes (featuring DURACARB carbon heat sink material) ‘can last up to eight times longer than the C-130’s existing equipment, helping operators reduce maintenance time and cost’.
The company also claimed that its C-130 brakes can last for up to 2,000 landings per overhaul, compared to 250 landings per overhaul with the existing C-130 brake system.
‘At the same time, Collins’ brakes are capable of handling higher energy than the aircraft’s existing equipment, which increases the safety margin when stopping heavily loaded C-130s,’ it added.
Shephard reported in April that Collins is developing a new wheel and carbon brake system for the entire USAF B-52H Stratofortress fleet, and the company also supplies wheels and carbon brakes for other Lockheed Martin military aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and U-2 Dragon Lady.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![StormShroud enters service with UK RAF to suppress enemy air defences]()
StormShroud enters service with UK RAF to suppress enemy air defences
StormShroud is designed to support UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin F-35B and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft by providing suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD). It is built around the Tekever AR3 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Leonardo BriteStorm electronic warfare (EW) jammer payload.
-
![Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF]()
Ground tests for CCA programme underway with flight tests to start mid-2025, says USAF
The ground test phase for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will bridge the gap between prototype design and flight, laying essential groundwork ahead of fielding the uncrewed aircraft.
-
![Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s]()
Northrop Grumman’s completes flight tests of new EW system for F-16s
The two aircraft flew more than 70 sorties in seven months and tested the system in various conditions and mission scenarios.
-
![F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost]()
F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost
The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
