C-130 Aircraft To Receive Avionics Modernization Program Upgrade

 

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C-130 Aircraft To Receive Avionics Modernization Program Upgrade

By
Daniel Baxter
 

August 31, 2010 – The Boeing Company announced the induction of the first C-130 aircraft slated to receive the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) upgrade at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga. This is the first of 20 aircraft to be upgraded during low-rate initial production (LRIP). 

Warner Robins is ready to receive the C-130 and begin installing the AMP kits,” said Tommy Jackson, C-130 AMP deputy program manager for the U.S. Air Force. “Our team has been trained by Boeing, and we are excited to get the first of many aircraft through our line and upgraded.” 

Air Force workers at Robins will install glass cockpits that include a head-up display; six flat-panel, full-color displays; and night-vision capability in 10 of the 20 LRIP aircraft. Warner Robins will receive its second C-130 for AMP modification in October.

 

“The C-130 AMP is production-ready,” said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP program manager for Boeing. “Today marks a very important day for the warfighter. Boeing and the Air Force are one step closer to delivering a fleet of C-130 AMP aircraft.” 

Boeing will begin its portion of the installations in early 2012 at its San Antonio facility. The C-130 AMP was initiated to modernize, standardize and reduce total ownership costs for the United States Air Force C-130 fleet, including specialized versions in service with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It consolidates 13 Mission Design Series into one common core avionics suite with five mission families: One for Combat Delivery, which constitutes the majority of the C-130 fleet, and four for the unique Special Operations mission requirements. 

The central element of Boeing's AMP configuration is Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management compliance, without which the C-130 fleet would be prohibited from certain worldwide air-navigation routes. An upgraded, common fleet offers dramatic life cycle cost benefits including greater reliability, simplified fleet-wide training, and a flexible architecture designed to reduce crew size and accommodate future technology insertion. 

 

Modern Digital Glass Cockpit featuring six 6x8 Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), pilot and co-pilot wide field of view Head Up Displays (HUDs), two Communication and Navigation Control Panels (CNCPs), and Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compliance. Open System Architecture that is both modular and net ready. This permits reduction in crew size through elimination of the navigator, while allowing for the addition of future capabilities. 

Performance Based Contractor Logistics Support that employs Integrated Vehicle Health Management; establishing a fleet-wide integrated training approach and implementing a common spares base. Boeing's support approach makes the C-130 fleet more available and more affordable to operate. Prepares the C-130 for another 30 years of service - Boeing's AMP ensures the affordable long-term combat relevance of today s C-130 fleet.

 

 
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