Collins Aerospace announced it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin to provide boltless wheels and carbon brakes for 60 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in production for the U.S. Air Force. Collins’ equipment replaces the platform‘s legacy steel brakes, helping the Air Force reduce maintenance time and costs, while increasing aircraft availability.

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Collins’ C-130 brakes, which feature its DURACARB carbon heat sink material, can allow for up to 2,000 landings per overhaul—compared to 250 landings per overhaul experienced by operators of the C-130’s current system. (Picture source: US Air Force)

Collins will manufacture the new C-130J wheels and brakes at its facility, which has been named an Elite Supplier by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for five consecutive years. Elite Suppliers are recognized for averaging 99% on-time deliveries and zero quality defects throughout the year and represent the top 1% of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics suppliers. Collins’ Troy facility supplies wheels and carbon brakes for several Lockheed Martin platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, U-2 Dragon Lady and LM-100J, the commercial freighter derivative of the C-130J military airlifter.

“Our equipment will simplify aircraft maintenance and increase safety—ultimately helping our warfighters execute their missions with increased efficiency and success,” said Matt Maurer, general manager, Military Landing Systems for Collins Aerospace. “This selection builds on our longstanding relationships with the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin as a premier wheel and brake supplier with a proven record of performance.”

Collins’ C-130 brakes, which feature its DURACARB carbon heat sink material, can allow for up to 2,000 landings per overhaul—compared to 250 landings per overhaul experienced by operators of the C-130’s current system. That lifespan is eight times longer, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost. At the same time, Collins’ brakes are capable of handling higher energy than the aircraft’s existing equipment, which increases the safety margin when stopping heavily loaded C-130s.

Collins is a leading provider of wheels and brakes for military platforms, including the U.S. Air Force’s F-15, F-16, C-5, C-130 and Global Hawk fleets. Earlier this year, the company was selected by the U.S. Air Force to design and develop a new wheel and carbon brake for the B-52. Collins has also completed wheel and brake upgrades for several air forces around the globe.