C-130J Super Hercules: Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), the Hyderabad-based joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin, has hit a major production milestone: the 250th Made-in-India empennage (tail assembly) for the C-130J Super Hercules. This milestone, celebrated by Lockheed Martin and Tata partners, highlights how an Indian manufacturing base now supplies a critical airframe component used on Super Hercules transport aircraft built and flown around the world.
What exactly was delivered?
The delivered unit is a complete empennage assembly (vertical and horizontal stabilizers plus associated structures and flight control surfaces) for the C-130J family. The empennage is essential for aircraft stability, control, and safe flight characteristics; in short, it’s the tail that helps the Hercules steer and stay level.
TLMAL manufactures these assemblies in Hyderabad and ships them to Lockheed Martin’s final assembly lines in Marietta, Georgia, where they become part of new C-130J aircraft. That global supply chain with the empennage made in India and integrated in the U.S. is a visible outcome of the “Make in India” objective in defence manufacturing.
C-130J Super Hercules: Partners
TLMAL is a joint venture formed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin that began operations to support global C-130J production and other aerostructure work. Over the past decade-plus, the Hyderabad facility has grown into the single global source for the C-130J empennage included on new Super Hercules aircraft.
The JV first reached earlier milestones (50th, 200th empennage deliveries) and has steadily scaled production; the 250th delivery is the latest step in that trajectory. The partnership is also part of a broader Lockheed-Tata collaboration to expand C-130J opportunities in India.
The C-130J
The C-130J Super Hercules is one of the world’s most versatile tactical airlifters, used for cargo and troop transport, medevac, airdrops, special missions, and disaster relief. It is in service with many nations and continues to be produced to meet global demand; reliable subsystems such as the empennage are essential for the aircraft’s global operations. Lockheed Martin and Tata point to the continued worldwide demand for the platform as a reason for the sustained production partnership.
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How is the empennage made?
1. Design & tooling: Engineers rely on validated drawings as well as exact tooling to fabricate skins, ribs and spars.
2. Material prep & forming: Metal and composite parts are thoroughly cut, formed and cured if needed.
3. Sub-assembly: The smaller components (control surfaces, hinges, actuators) are manufactured and pre-tested.
4. Final assembly: Sub-assemblies are combined with the full empennage; systems (actuators, cables) are installed.
5. Quality checks: Non-destructive inspections, dimensional checks and functional tests are performed to confirm that the unit is safe to fly.
6. Shipment: The finished empennage is getting ready and is sent to the final assembly line (Marietta, GA).
TLMAL adheres to aerospace quality processes and Lockheed Martin standards, which are the same requirements that are enforced throughout the C-130J supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the empennage built?
At TLMAL’s advanced manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India.
Q: Who receives the empennage?
Lockheed Martin’s final assembly facility in Marietta, Georgia, integrates the empennage into new C-130J airframes.
Q: How many empennages has TLMAL delivered previously?
TLMAL has been producing empennages for years and previously announced milestones (50th, 200th); the latest announced delivery is the 250th.
Q: What does this mean for India’s defence industry?
It shows India can deliver complex, export-grade aerospace parts at scale, building confidence for more sophisticated programmes and global partnerships.
