C-130 Hercules – The airborne test platform of choice – Complete your test program on-schedule and on-budget

IAR is the longest-running commercial provider of C-130-based aerial research and development support.  Whether you are testing airborne electronics, parachute systems, UAVs that can be deployed from the air, or developing advanced spacecraft reentry systems, our fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft provides aerial research and development program directors with the ideal mix of:

• A spacious aircraft cargo bay that is pressurized and climate controlled
• Ample mounting space on the exterior of the aircraft
• Abundant on-board electrical power
• A large aircraft performance envelope which allows testing at low or high airspeeds and altitudes

Each of our C-130s is equipped with the standard 463L cargo handling system consisting of floor rollers and cargo locks.  This gives the aircraft the ability to airdrop test items weighing up to 25,000 pounds from any altitude and airspeed within the C-130’s performance envelope.  In addition to the rear cargo ramp and door which is standard on all C-130s, IAR’s aircraft are unique in that they are also equipped with paratroop doors and outer wing pylons. This provides R&D clients with additional entry/exit points and mounting locations not available with other C-130 providers.

Versatile – Cost Effective – High Performance

Versatile & Cost Effective

The legendary versatility of the C-130 allows it to be reconfigured quickly to conduct a wide variety of missions without requiring permanent modifications to the aircraft which can be time consuming and costly.  When aircraft modification is unavoidable, the following IAR advantages allow us to quickly and efficiently modify our aircraft to meet each client’s unique R&D needs while keeping their test campaign on-track and on-budget:

• 67,000 ft² indoor aircraft maintenance facility
• FAA-certified Part 145 repair station
• In-house design, fabrication, installation, and certification capabilities

R&D clients further minimize their costs and maximize convenience thanks to our:

• Access to established high altitude drop zones
• Close proximity / short flying time to multiple drop test areas
• Expert in-house parachute rigging services

All of these advantages minimize unnecessary test program delays and maximize cost effectiveness for the client.

High Performance

The C-130’s large performance envelope allows aerial test program directors to benefit from:

• Heavy lift capability in excess of 30,000 pounds
• High altitude operations up to 30,000 feet
• Low airspeed deployment down to 95 knots
• All weather capability including operations at night and in instrument flight conditions

Submit a Service Inquiry to learn more about how IAR’s extensive aerial R&D capabilities and expertise can benefit your organization.