Abbotsford-based Cascade Aerospace announced yesterday a recent agreement with Lockheed Martin that would see the company become one of only two authorized C-130J Heavy Maintenance Centers (HMC) in the world.
The new designation means Cascade is now dual-qualified as both a C-130 Hercules Service Center and C-130J HMC.
“Cascade has a long history of repair, overhaul and upgrades with military and commercial legacy C-130 Hercules aircraft,” said Ben Boehm, Cascade Aerospace executive vice president and COO. “As the Optimized Weapons System Management prime for Canada’s legacy Hercules fleet, Cascade is well-placed as a global leader in C-130 Hercules support.”
The designation is also part of the Air Capability Program – Tactical Industrial Regional Benefits commitment.
“With more than 1,400 C-130s operating in 70 countries, it is essential to have a global support network to keep these Hercules aircraft ready to support any mission — anytime, anywhere,” said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. “The addition of Cascade Aerospace as the second-ever Lockheed Martin C-130J Heavy Maintenance Center not only strengthens this network, but greatly expands its capabilities as well. Cascade has long supported Canada’s CC-130 fleet and this new designation ensures it will continue to be an essential partner for Hercules operators in Canada and beyond.”
Currently, Cascade Aerospace is partnered with Lockheed Martin to support the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) C-130J fleet under a 20-year contract and provides fleet management services directly to the RCAF for its legacy C-130 Hercules fleet.