The Spanish defense ministry has found a new home for all of its ten retired C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.
In addition to the governments of Peru and Uruguay, which have previously been identified as buyers of four units, Florida-based Blue Aerospace has now been revealed as the buyer of the remaining six airframes.
Blue Aerospace specializes in C130 support and claims the world’s largest inventory of C-130B/H rotable and structural parts. The company also holds the production rights for the C130 Roll on Roll Off MAFFS firefighting system.
Earlier this year, Blue Aerospace was part of an industry team that bought the Belgian Air Force C-130 fleet including, aircraft, engines, propellers, spare parts, and ground support equipment.
The Spanish Air Force sold the Hercules aircraft after almost 50 years of operation and will bank 80 million euro for the sale, according to local reports. Blue Aerospace is paying around 5.5 million for each of the aircraft.
Uruguay and Peru are paying 22 and 25 million, respectively, for the purchase of two aircraft each, alongside a support package. They are reportedly scheduled to take delivery of the aircraft in the coming weeks.
The Spanish Air Force welcomed the first C-130H at its base in Zaragoza on December 18, 1973. During their time in service, the aircraft completed a modernization program receiving new avionics, communications, and refueling equipment. They also feature a digital autopilot and GPS equipment.
