Update on Hercules upgrade
Date: 4 January 2007
As mentioned in previous news reports, the SAAF is in the process of upgrading nine aircraft (seven SAAF C-130Bs purchased in 1963 and two ex-US Air Force C-130Bs received via the Excess Defence Articles programme) - the new designation being C130BZ.
Modification and repair of the last two aircraft (402 and 403) is still in progress at Denel. While 403 is undergoing contractual repairs and modifications, 402 will need to be repaired after the fire damage that occured on 8 October 2004.
Redelivery of 403 is planned for April 2007. The modification will be finalised two years after last delivery, so planned completion would be for April 2009 as 402 was damaged after modification. It is not known when 402 will be repaired.
