C-130 Modernization costs $31 million

Boeing announced yesterday that the company has been awarded a $31 million follow-on contract from the U.S. Air Force for two more C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) kits. The agreement, part also includes support for logistics, engineering and installation, as well as spares support equipment.

Air Force personnel at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., will begin installing the new kits in mid-2012 with onsite support from Boeing. The aircraft upgrade includes a glass cockpit with a head-up display; six flat-panel, full-color displays; and night-vision capability. Warner Robins will install 10 of the 20 LRIP kits.

“As the modification at Warner Robins progresses, our engineering team continues to drive improvements of the installations,” said Bruce Terry, C-130 AMP Low-Rate Initial Production program manager for Boeing.

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Basic and specialized versions of the aircraft airframe perform a diverse number of roles, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions.

Source: Air-Attack, U.S. Air Force

Tags: Boeing, Boeing C-130, C-130, C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, C-130 Hercules, C130 hercules, Hercules plane, U.S. Air Force