Argentine Air Force Receives Overhauled Hercules Aircraft

The Argentine Aircraft Factory "Brig. San Martín" SA (FAdeA) handed over the overhauled Hercules TC-69 "Puerto Argentino" to the Argentine Air Force.

The ceremony was led by Defense Minister Luis Petri.

The extensive overhaul of the Hercules aircraft included a comprehensive review and update of all its systems, a new exterior paint job, and crucial technical upgrades. This upgrade enables the TC-69 to rejoin the C-130 Hercules fleet of Air Transport Group I of the 1st Air Brigade in El Palomar.

The TC-69 is vital for the air bridge connecting the cities of Río Gallegos and Ushuaia with Argentine Antarctica. It performs a range of missions including cargo and personnel transport, tactical navigation, search and rescue, troop deployment, and in-flight refueling.

Following the delivery ceremony, the minister and other officials toured the FAdeA facilities to review ongoing programs such as the maintenance of Hercules C130 aircraft, production of Pampa aircraft, and manufacturing components for Embraer's C390 aircraft.