U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin select Collins for C-130J wheels, brakes

TROY, Ohio - 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.

Collins will manufacture the new C-130J wheels and brakes at its facility in Ohio, 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.

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.