The U.S. Navy’s demonstration C-130J Hercules, known as “Fat Albert,” will travel to Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, England, later this year for a center wing box replacement. The aircraft, which provides transport and logistical support for the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, will be out of service through most of next year while the maintenance work is completed. Services are expected to take between 10 and 14 months.

Replacing a Critical Structure

The center wing box is the main structural component connecting the Hercules’ fuselage to its wings and carries much of the aircraft’s load in flight. Fat Albert’s has nearly reached its service limit.

Marshall Aerospace said the installation of a new enhanced service-life center wing box from Lockheed Martin will extend the ai

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