Marshall approved for C-130 CWB work

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FARNBOROUGH, England, July 10 (UPI) -- Britain's Marshall Aerospace, the first C-130J heavy maintenance center outside the United States, has been authorized to install C-130 center wing boxes.

The agreement to expand the company's refurbishment capability for the military transport was signed by Lockheed Martin at the Farnborough Air Show, now taking place in England.

"As we see the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet expanding, and the demand for the C-130J remaining strong, we need to expand our specialized support network around the world," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin's vice president for Air Mobility. "Marshall Aerospace has unique capability in maintenance, repair and overhaul across all variants of the C-130 platform, including the C-130J Super Hercules, and we are proud of our relationship with them that has spanned many decades."

The center wing box is the main load-bearing component of the C-130's airframe. Its integrity is vital to the overall operational life of the aircraft.

"It is an honor to become the world's first commercial Original Equipment Manufacturer-approved service center for C-130J CWB replacement," said Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO of Marshall Aerospace. "Together with our existing unique C-130J HMC status, the enhancement of CWB replacement approval will position us perfectly for long term C-130J global fleet sustainment.

"This is a significant milestone for Marshall, and builds on our solid reputation for providing innovative engineering solutions."