Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX Corporation, announced a set of three‑year distribution agreements that will cover the supply of wheels and brakes for the C‑130 Hercules transport aircraft. The contracts were signed with Integrated Procurement Technologies, S3 AeroDefense, and Derco, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, and will extend Collins’ distribution network across the 70‑plus countries that operate the C‑130.
The C‑130 Hercules has been in service since 1954 and remains a backbone of global air mobility, supporting combat, humanitarian, and other missions. By securing long‑term agreements for its critical landing‑gear components, Collins is positioning itself to provide timely logistics support and maintain fleet readiness for operators worldwide. The agreements also give Collins a foothold with international customers who currently use Collins wheels and brakes and those considering upgrades, thereby expanding the company’s aftermarket footprint.
RTX’s aftermarket business has been a key driver of margin expansion and recurring revenue. The C‑130 platform’s large installed base and long service life create a durable revenue stream for parts and maintenance services, aligning with RTX’s strategy to grow its commercial aerospace aftermarket segment. The new agreements are expected to reinforce Collins’ aftermarket sales and support RTX’s broader goal of delivering structural margin expansion across its three business segments.
Matt Maurer, vice president and general manager of Landing Systems at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of the C‑130: “Wheels and brakes are mission‑critical components that enable safe takeoffs, landings, and ground operations on some of the world’s most challenging runways. These distribution agreements will help ensure fleet readiness for our customers, enabling them to operate where they’re needed most.”
RTX’s Q3 2025 results highlighted double‑digit sales growth and a 17% increase in earnings per share, driven largely by aftermarket and original‑equipment demand. The company noted that tariffs had a $90 million impact on Collins’ profitability in that quarter, underscoring the importance of securing stable aftermarket contracts such as the C‑130 agreements to mitigate headwinds and sustain margin growth.
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