Microvanes™ for the C-130, a Lockheed Martin Corporation patented technology licensed to Metro Aerospace, bring performance enhancement and cost reduction for the Hercules aircraft as well as other large aircraft with steep aft ramp designs. Although the flat cargo ramp and door on the C-130 provide exceptional airdrop and rescue capability, this same feature creates a significant amount of drag due to the abrupt change in airflow.

Microvanes are small aerodynamic components specifically designed to reshape the air flow around the aft cargo door. When adhesively surface mounted to each side of the fuselage, these devices ffectively reduce drag, and in turn reduce fuel and engine thrust requirements.

Committing over 18,000 flight hours spanning 10 years, Microvanes were intensively tested for erformance and safety. Results showed no adverse impact on airdrop operations from the ramp or aratroop door, and also validated that Microvanes can provide as much as four percent fuel savings while in cruise conditions, creating an overall potential savings up to 30 gallons per hour.

Proven effective, tested for safety, Microvanes deliver value:

Due to their significant fuel savings, low upfront cost, ease of installation, and minimal aircraft downtime for installation, Microvanes are proven to be the single most cost effective improvement for rear cargo aircraft with airdrop capability. Other performance enhancements and benefits include:

• Extended time on mission, increased flight range
  
• Increased payload capacity
  
• Reduced inboard engine wear
  
• Reduced harmful emissions with lower fuel burn
  
• Simplified procurement, no stocking or ITAR requirement
  
• Affordably priced for quick return on investment

Microvanes Installation:

A ship set contains 20 vanes, installed 10 per side on the aft body of the aircraft. Installation requires use of a specialized reusable Locating Fixture tool, and can be completed in 1-2 days either on premise with trained personnel or at an authorized Lockheed Martin C-130 Service Center.

Availability:

Globally available approximately 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of order; available for both legacy and J model C-130 aircraft.