Since 1954 Lockheed Martin has been manufacturing the iconic C-130 Hercules, used by air forces around the world as a troop, cargo and medevac transport aircraft.
We have been supporting the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules platform since 1966 and have a hard-earned reputation as the leading authority on the platform after the OEM themselves.
So when Lockheed Martin needed a trusted supplier to manufacture the light weight cockpit trim panels fitted into every single aircraft that leaves its production facility in Marietta, our Advanced Composites capability was the natural choice.
A number of the C-130J cockpit trim panels are supplied with wiring looms, lights, switches and speakers, which we assemble and install
Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Hercules airlifters have been relied on by numerous air forces around the world. There have been a number of advances that have been developed by the OEM in that time that have increase the capabilities, one of which is the cockpit trim panels.
Lockheed Martin needed their trim panels to be as lightweight and strong as possible, also to be produced in varying sections and sizes and fitted together like a jigsaw and ready to install directly onto the aircraft.
Finding the supplier with all the necessary expertise to manage the supply chain, manufacture the composite panelling, integrate the electrics, test and certify to time and on budget led Lockheed Martin to our door.
C-130J cockpit trim panels vary in size, complexity and level of installation
We worked closely with Lockheed Martin to understand their needs and what they wanted from the cockpit trim panels.
They have complex contours and are manufactured in a honeycomb structure. They are fabricated from fire retardant phenolic glass fibre prepreg and have a Nomex sandwich core.
The trim is supplied in kits of either 14 or 18 panels in various sizes, depending on aircraft variant, as the centre console can be fitted as either a single structure or as five smaller panels, some of which are fitted with lights, speakers, wiring looms and clips.
Manufacture comprises several complex stages from producing multiple layers of prepreg materials placed through a mould tool, vacuum bagging and curing in an autoclave, to being trimmed, prepared and painted in readiness for final electrical assembly.
We manage the entire supply chain, as well as managing the testing and quality certification.
Identifying the best material required for the task
Following a £9.5m contract signed with Lockheed Martin to manufacture and supply cockpit trim panels for the C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, we entered an extension agreement in 2024 for a further £11m.
“We are all very proud to be able to play a part in supporting the valuable service of C-130 fleets across the world so often pressed into action to help protect people in critical situations.”
Carl Morse
Manager Director Advanced Composites
Lockheed Martin C-130J cockpit
