RNZAF C-130 Life Extension Project Update :

A significant milestone in the progress of the C-130 Life Extension Project has been achieved at the L-3/SPAR facility in Edmonton, Canada with the arrival of two crews from 40 Squadron and commencement of formal training with the company on 22 January 2008. 

RNZAF C-130 Life Extension Project Update ……

Training  
All New Zealand personnel plus the crew from NZ7003. WN-08-0052-45-tn.jpg. The training course will cover all aspects of the new systems fitted to the aircraft and prepare the crews for the Ministry of Defence led Acceptance Test and Evaluation (AT&E) of NZ7003, the prototype and first of our aircraft to be modified. The course will also help in the development of the training material required to convert current Squadron crews to the updated aircraft and, in the future, take ab-initio aircrew from flying training and convert them to C-130 operations.

Running in parallel with the training course is the comprehensive ground testing of the aircraft systems to ensure that the systems meet our requirements and will be safe to operate in the air. The complexity of the integrated system requires us to utilise the Part Task Trainer, a procedural training tool developed by CAE Canada, which is specific to the RNZAF aircraft configuration. Whilst not a full flight deck simulator, the Part Task Trainer has proved to be an extremely valuable tool in developing and practicing basic and emergency procedures and will certainly be of significant benefit to training when installed in the new facility in Whenuapai. The Part Task Trainer development is supported by W/O Kelman from the Integrated Mission Support Squadron (IMSS) who has the responsibility of supporting complex training devices in day to day use.

The RNZAF will also soon provide additional resource to the Resident Project Team to assist in preparing the aircraft for use with our Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and for the management of rotable items removed from NZ7004.

Meanwhile progress on NZ7004, the first production aircraft, continues as components are progressively removed; these include the horizontal and vertical stabilisers with the centre wing due extraction in March. In addition, SAFE Air limited is working steadily with L3 SPAR in preparing for the second production aircraft (NZ7001) which will be inducted into SAFE later this year. Furthermore, the RNZAF has also recently committed a number of technical personnel to work with the NZMOD as resident team members overseeing the SAFE Air activity.

Back in New Zealand, a number of technical personnel are preparing to depart for Edmonton, to join their operational counterparts as part of the formal training program. Preparations are also well underway, in order for the RNZAF to undertake the necessary Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of this new capability immediately following the return of NZ7003.

Testing
The first aircraft is progressing well through its ground testing and with the training being conducted in parallel, both the aircraft and crews will be ready to commence the flight testing programme. As well as dealing with the rigours of test flying, both the aircraft and crews will have to cope with the often extreme weather conditions in Canada, with 20° C below mornings not being uncommon. On completion of Acceptance Testing, NZ7003 will return to New Zealand, to undertake OT&E of the new systems fitted to extend the life of this sturdy workhorse of the RNZAF.