Cracks keep Hercules on ground

2005-03-30 23:09

Erika Gibson

Pretoria - The largest part of the airforce's Hercules C-130 fleet - its primary air-transport component - will probably be out of action for the next six to eight months at least.

Only then will a specialist from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of the aircraft, be able to inspect the South African aircraft to determine if and when they can continue flying.

Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano, head of the South African Air Force, said there would be a long waiting period for parts, even after the inspection had taken place.

Gagiano had been holding talks on Wednesday with Major-General Michael Gould, commander of the American air force's European division (USAF).

Seven of the air force's nine C-130s have been out of service since February because of cracks in the wingspans.

South African planes are not the only ones to have been affected - so have other air forces across the globe, including America, which use the older model of this 41-year-old plane.

Airbus alternative not ideal

The American air force withdrew 30 of these planes from service, with another 60 being allowed to undertake only limited flights.

According to Gagiano, the possible acquisition of the Airbus 400M freight planes as replacements for the C-130s is not yet definite.

"No contract has been signed with Airbus yet."

However, South Africa did sign an earlier agreement - as the only non-Nato country - to become a member of a pool of co-manufacturers of the 400M.

It has the option to acquire eight of the planes by 2010.

Gagiano says the Airbus is an expensive aircraft and, in certain respects, it's too sophisticated to take over the role of C-130s.

Playing a role in stabilising Africa

He said it was an expensive aircraft to use in dangerous operational situations, when it might be under fire.

It should rather be used to transport personnel and equipment for long distances.

Gould said he and Gagiano would continue to confer after his visit to see how the American air force could help South Africa.

Stabilising Africa is part of responsibility of the USAF in Europe.

Gould said the USAF could help South Africa with its interim air-transport capabilities.

Two of their C-130 aircraft helped with the deployment of Nigerian soldiers in Sudan as part of the African Union's forces there.

- Beeld