Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
Marshall is recognised as a global authority on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, having built unrivalled experience on the platform since 1966.
Acquisition and entry into service
Acquiring an aircraft with an existing operational history is a complex, multi-stage process. Assets within a single fleet may have different maintenance histories, configurations and support arrangements; meanwhile, a new operator must also navigate the complexities of training, spares, tooling, technical data and engineering support needed to use their fleet effectively.
Marshall can facilitate that transition from the earliest stages of acquisition through to entry into service and long-term sustainment. Including the Turkish Air Force, we have supported acquisition and entry into service for eight operators of legacy C-130 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Understanding the aircraft before acquisition
Before a purchase is completed, our platform specialists can help operators understand the aircraft they are acquiring. Working alongside the seller and relevant government authorities, we can support inspections, review technical records and configuration status, answer technical queries and identify maintenance or engineering work likely to be required before delivery.
Our long history supporting the C-130 allows us to interpret those records in a broader context, including structural life, obsolescence, non-standard repairs and the implications of different operating histories. Where Marshall is supporting the sale as well as the new operator, this helps to create a seamless handover between withdrawal from one fleet and preparation for another.
From acquired aircraft to a coherent fleet
Once aircraft are selected, the focus shifts from ownership to operational readiness. Marshall can develop and deliver an entry-into-service programme tailored to the intended role, starting with any removal of previous-operator equipment and progressing through depth maintenance, structural work, repairs, repainting, modification and modernisation.
For multi-aircraft acquisitions, fleet coherence is particularly important. We can assess differences between individual airframes and define a practical common standard across avionics, safety equipment, mission systems and maintenance status. Our Part 21J design and Part 21G production capabilities, supported by ground and flight test expertise, allow modifications and repairs to be designed, embodied, verified and certified within one integrated programme. Maintenance can also be planned to provide a useful operating window after delivery.
Case Study - Bangladesh Air Force C-130J
Marshall supported the transfer of five former RAF C-130Js into Bangladesh Air Force service, combining decommissioning, maintenance, modification, training, spares and in-country technical support. The final aircraft was delivered in 2024, completing a multi-year programme to establish a sustainable sovereign airlift capability.
Building the capability around the aircraft
Marshall can help establish the support system required to operate and maintain a new fleet, including spares packages, ground support equipment and tooling, logistics support, technical publications and access to repair and overhaul routes through our supplier network.
Training can be shaped around the customer’s existing experience and desired level of self-reliance. Our training capability can support maintainers with aircraft type and task training, while wider programmes can transfer knowledge to operators, logisticians and engineering teams. Training and technical support can also be delivered in-country, helping customers build indigenous capability while retaining access to Marshall expertise when required.
Support that continues after delivery
The same teams that prepare aircraft for entry into service can remain engaged throughout their operational life. Depending on the customer’s needs, support can range from spares, repairs and technical advice to integrated long-term packages covering scheduled maintenance, engineering, Fleet Intelligence, Operational Usage Evaluation, obsolescence management and capability upgrades.
By considering the aircraft, the fleet and the support system together from the outset, Marshall can help operators turn an acquisition into a sustainable operational capability.
