Marshall to make new cockpit armour for Danish Air Force C-130J fleet
Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has been awarded a first contract to certify and install the latest version of lightweight cockpit armour on the Danish Air Force’s fleet of four C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft.
In a 12 November statement the UK based manufacturer said it had 'signed an exclusive agreement in July this year' to market, sell and install the QinetiQ manufactured, LAST Armor LWA - becoming the first company capable of certifying the armour on the C-130.
'The new armour is less than half the weight of the existing product, which will help to save fuel, reduce the impact on the aircraft’s centre of gravity and allow the C-130-30 variant its full cargo carrying capacity, whilst still meeting the same ballistic requirement as QinetiQ’s previous LAST Armor,' the company stated.
'This increased operational capability allows air forces around the world to operate in hostile environments with the confidence that their crews are protected against small arms fire.'
The armour can be quickly installed during maintenance periods, leading to 'optimum aircraft mission availability,' according to Marshall.
The Danish Air Force contract follows on from Marshall partnering with the Bangladesh Air Force for the support of its five ex-RAF C-130J fleet.
The C-130J is the newest variant of the venerable C-130 type, designed primarily for tactical airlift operations.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.