Jordan to receive ISR aircraft, likely transferred MC-12Ws | World Defense

Jordan to receive ISR aircraft, likely transferred MC-12Ws

BLACKEAGLE

SENIOR MEMBER
Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
3,623
Reactions
1,989 10 0
Country
Jordan
Location
Jordan
Jordan to receive ISR aircraft, likely transferred MC-12Ws
Gareth Jennings, London and Martin Streetly, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
28 September 2015
1389201_-_main.jpg

The USAF recently divested itself of all but four of its MC-12W ISR aircraft. A contract awarded to L-3 Communications suggests that these last platforms may now be transferred to Jordan. Source: US Air Force

Jordan is to receive four new intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft under a USD9.78 million contract awarded to L-3 Communications on 28 September.

The contract covers delivery of the aircraft to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) and support, as well as pilot and maintainer training. Work is scheduled to be complete by 30 September 2016. L-3 Communications had not responded to a request for further information at the time of writing.

The contract notification does not reveal the type of aircraft, but Jordan has converted its two Airbus Defence and Space (DS) CN235 airlifters into special mission gunships (and is doing the same for one of its two C295s), and so has a track record of adapting its existing inventory for new purposes. However, on this occasion, the only suitable platform that the RJAF operates in large enough numbers to fulfil this requirement is the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules, four of which have been in service since 1978. While it is feasible that L-3 Communications could have developed a roll-on/roll-off kit for these aircraft, it is doubtful as they are likely to be too large to be practicable for the RJAF's requirements.

A more realistic alternative is that L-3 Communications is to provide the RJAF with a new platform type altogether. The contract value of USD9.78 million is too small for the procurement of new (or even used) host aircraft, suggesting that a transfer of US platforms might be the solution being offered here. It was recently disclosed that the US Air Force (USAF) had transferred all but four of its MC-12W Project Liberty aircraft across to the Air National Guard and Special Operations Command. L-3 Communications was responsible for developing the MC-12W for the USAF, and the Jordanian contract value, the rapid timelines, and the fact that the aircraft are being procured for counterterrorism efforts all point to the final four MC-12Ws being earmarked for the RJAF.

Jordan to receive ISR aircraft, likely transferred MC-12Ws - IHS Jane's 360
 

UAE

SENIOR MEMBER
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
1,641
Reactions
929 11 0
Country
USA
Location
United Arab Emirates
Jordan is building up lately I noticed.
 

Susimi

MEMBER
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
246
Reactions
55 0 0
Country
United Kingdom
Location
United Kingdom
Seems a pretty good move to sell the aircraft on rather than scrap them as has been seen in the past.

Jordan is building up lately I noticed.
I'm not surprised considering how volatile that whole region around them is at the moment.
 
Top