RMAF scouts C-130J, C-390 to replace ageing Hercules fleet [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Lockheed Martin's C-130J and Embraer's C-390 are among the aircraft being discussed as potential replacements for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) ageing C-130 Hercules fleet.

RMAF chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said the replacement must retain the Hercules' primary role as the air force's tactical transport workhorse, with its carrying capacity matched to Malaysia's operational requirements rather than simply opting for a larger platform.

"The eventual successor to the C-130 should have a similar carrying capacity. We know that is the capacity we need most of the time. Not too big and not too small. Just the right size," he said.

Norazlan said RMAF's transport requirements differed from those countries operating larger strategic airlifters, adding that procurement decisions must be aligned with Malaysia's operational needs.

He said larger aircraft, including platforms designed for long-range strategic transport missions, might not necessarily suit Malaysia's requirements.

"Some people talk about the (Airbus) MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport), but I think there are other more critical operational capabilities."

"Malaysia's operational requirements are primarily focused on regional missions rather than long-range deployments," he said.

Norazlan said original equipment manufacturers had approached RMAF to discuss the possibility of meeting the air force's future airlifter requirements. However, he said, the decision would involve more than just buying new aircraft.

"It must come with certain operational capabilities. Future transport aircraft must provide improved availability, reliability and supportability throughout their service life.

"Procurement decisions should also consider sustainment models, including performance-based logistics, where availability and operational output become key considera­tions." he said.

On paper, the C-130J offers a similar capability profile to RMAF's existing Hercules fleet, with improved performance, avionics and efficiency.

The four-engine tactical airlifter can carry about 20 tonnes of cargo or up to 100 fully equipped soldiers.

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The Embraer C-390, meanwhile, is a larger and faster next-generation transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of cargo, including armoured vehicles, pallets and equipment.

It can transport up to about 80 soldiers and fly at speeds closer to commercial airliners, allowing it to move personnel and supplies over longer distances more quickly compared with traditional propeller-driven transport aircraft.

The move to replace the Hercules comes as RMAF grapples with recurring technical problems and the challenges of operating an ageing fleet.

RMAF currently operates 15 C-130 Hercules aircraft after one was lost in an accident in Sibu in 1990, with some of the remaining aircraft having been in service for five decades.

Norazlan said while the Hercules remained a reliable workhorse for the air force, recurring technical issues, ageing structures and limitations associated with older systems highlighted the need for a long-term replacement.

"The indicators are already there. Recurring technical problems after flying missions showed that the condition of some aircraft needed to be carefully considered.

"As RMAF chief, my concern is safety. We cannot gamble with people's lives."

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Norazlan said extending the service life of the aircraft was possible through intensive maintenance, but there were limits to how long the ageing fleet could be sustained.

"Extending the lifespan of an aircraft is possible through intensive maintenance, but the question is, how far do you want to extend it?

"Retirement policy is not just a word, it is a rule. It is part of the life cycle."

Norazlan said operating aircraft beyond their intended service life could introduce technical challenges that had not been anticipated when maintenance guidelines were first developed.

"Ageing aircraft require more extensive inspections and assessments, including advanced non-destructive testing and crack mapping. Conventional inspection methods may no longer be sufficient.

"When we go beyond a certain age, there are other things that emerge," he said, adding that particular attention had to be given to primary structures as failures involving critical sections of the aircraft could affect its overall integrity.

Norazlan also highlighted that the challenges associated with an ageing fleet extended beyond the airframe, with engine reliability also becoming a concern.

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"Older engines experience reduced reliability and require more maintenance.

"Replacing them alone would not necessarily resolve the wider challenges associated with ageing aircraft. You may save a bit here and there, but other problems will arise."

Apart from structural and mechanical concerns, Norazlan said the Hercules fleet also faced certain limitations due to systems obsolescence compared with newer-generation transport aircraft.

He said while the Hercules remained capable of carrying out its missions, older variants lacked a modern cockpit and flight management systems designed to reduce pilot workload.

He cited advanced digital displays, automated systems and modern navigation aids as examples of the avionics gap between older and newer aircraft.

"With modern systems, information is readily available and the pilot manages that information. The workload is reduced."

Norazlan said the acquisition would need to be carefully planned, including decisions on procurement timelines and whether the aircraft should be acquired in phases.

He said buying aircraft in batches could offer certain advantages, including preventing the entire fleet from ageing at the same rate.

"If you buy in batches, they will age at different rates, and there is a possibility of better lifecycle management."