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
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
