While Morocco seeks to renew its fleet of military cargo aircraft at the end of their life, the Moroccan market arouses the desire of the main world producers, in particular the American Lockheed Martin and the Brazilian Embraer. Lighting.
He was one of the stars of the last Marrakech Air Show. The Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules attracted attention during the last show in the ocher city. It is, in fact, a derived version of the C-130 Hercules, currently in service with the Royal Air Forces (FRA). It must be said that the US Army was present in force during the event through Africom, the American military command for the African continent. “This year, the United States is participating in this international show with several aircraft, including a C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Utah Air National Guard. The participation of the US Air Force in this international event aims to strengthen American and international security assistance efforts as well as the strategic partnerships of the United States with African countries,” reads a press release from the US Air Force service. Africom public affairs. “We are happy to be back in Morocco,” said Brigadier General Ricky Mills, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force, international affairs. “The interactions and exchanges we have with our partners at MAS 2024 allow us to learn and leverage the strengths of other nations.” Also in attendance was U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Shawn Holtz, deputy director for strategy, engagement and programs, U.S. Africa Command. “The United States and the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco have a long-standing partnership, with Morocco hosting Africom’s largest exercise, African Lion, and partnering with the Utah National Guard for over 20 years ” Holtz said. For US officials, the Marrakech Air Show is another opportunity to strengthen our relationships, exchange ideas, promote trust and strengthen security cooperation in the region. “Congratulations to Morocco on the success of this world-class event! “, declared for his part the United States Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar.
“The United States has participated in every edition of the Marrakech Air Show and we welcome the opportunity for American companies to showcase the breadth of cutting-edge technology that exemplifies American innovation. Morocco’s growing role as a regional economic hub and investments in aerospace infrastructure make this an exciting time to develop our partnership. » The Utah National Guard has also maintained an active partnership with Morocco since 2003 in the Aviation framework. . While Morocco seeks to renew its fleet of military cargo aircraft at the end of their life, the Moroccan market arouses the desire of the main world producers, in particular the American Lockheed Martin and the Brazilian Embraer. Lighting. The latest addition to the C-130 range at the end of the 1990s, the C-130J is a deeply modified and modernized version of the C-130H. (DR) State Partnership Program, fostering a strong, trust-based relationship focused on security cooperation. Through joint training and humanitarian missions, the two forces exchange knowledge, refine their tactics and strengthen their operational capabilities. C-130J Super Hercules According to the definition widely used by the military internationally, “the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical transport (ATT) or assault (ATA) aircraft, when self-protected and of the State Partnership Program, fostering a strong, trust-based relationship focused on security cooperation. Through joint training and humanitarian missions, the two forces exchange knowledge, refine their tactics and strengthen their operational capabilities. C-130J Super Hercules According to the definition widely used by the military internationally, “the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical transport (ATT) or assault (ATA) aircraft, when self-protected and armored. Arranged according to the nature of the load and the type of mission carried out, its hold can be configured in several versions (freight, passengers, mixed). It is a quad-turboprop military transport aircraft with a short to medium range. The latest addition to the C-130 range at the end of the 1990s, the C-130J is a deeply modified and modernized version of the C-130H.
It has new engines, more efficient six-blade propellers and modern avionics. Its reliability and capabilities have been widely tested in operations by numerous armies around the world. For the American manufacturer, “the C-130J is faster, goes further and has more capacity than traditional platforms, which translates into greater power and improved capabilities. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most advanced C-130 ever designed, built, flown and maintained, with a truly integrated digital core. Enough to overshadow another competing aircraft, namely the Brazilian KC-390 twinjet. If the plane in question seems to be of serious interest to Moroccan officials, recent statements from the management of the Brazilian firm show that no transaction has been officially recorded. “Morocco is set to become a major partner for Embraer Defense and Security, and we are committed to working closely with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to position the C-390 as the first choice for its future airlift capabilities tactical. Our support would include comprehensive training, maintenance and logistics of its fleet,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. The latter spoke during the Marrakech Air Show on the sidelines of the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Embraer and the Moroccan government to launch possible joint projects in the Moroccan aerospace industry as well as in the fields of commercial and defense aviation. “As a growing number of countries choose the C-390 for its exceptional performance and high availability, now is the ideal time for the Royal Moroccan Air Force to consider joining this strong community. » Note that the aircraft manufacturer Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for commercial and business aviation, defense and security, and agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services and support through a global network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents. Since its creation in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds, an Embraer-made plane takes off somewhere in the world, carrying more than 150 million passengers a year.
TEST
Machine. The KC-390 twinjet landed in the Kingdom a few months ago, a few weeks after the visit of officers from the Royal Air Forces (FRA) to Portugal to discover the machine up close. Industry observers believed that the military-grade KC-390 Millennium jet, manufactured in Brazil, was to be “tested” there for potential acquisition. In details, this aircraft, also called Embraer KC-390, is a medium-sized transport vehicle, powered by two jet engines and designed by the aerospace company Embraer. It is the largest aircraft the company has manufactured to date. It is thus capable of transporting up to 26 tonnes of load, including wheeled armored vehicles. Moreover, its size is similar to that of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the military transport plane designed by the United States and still in service, notably in Morocco. It must be said that the Brazilian company began designing a tactical military transport similar to the Hercules in 2006. The KC-390 therefore has a rear ramp for loading and unloading large volumes. The unit price is estimated at around $50 million, compared to $130 million for its main competitors. The crew consists of two pilots and a cargo manager. It can transport up to 26,000 kg; 80 soldiers; 74 stretchers and 8 auxiliaries, or 66 paratroopers. Its maximum operating speed is 992 km/h, with a range of 2,820 km and a load of 23,000 kg; 3,220 km and a load of 19,000 kg; 5,820 km and 14,000 kg load.
