[SatNews] Lockheed Martin (USA) has awarded the satellite communication component of the new Block 8.1 upgrade for the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) C-130J Super Hercules to…
…Cobham company, Thrane & Thrane A/S. The program involves the upgrade of over 200 aircraft and represents a value expected to exceed DKK 150 million, with a roll out period from 2014 to 2018. The SATCOM systems will support the air traffic management data link component of the Block 8.1 upgrade. Thrane & Thrane will deliver the DO178B certified AVIATOR 700D product, which is prepared for FANS1/A operation and supports a combination of current Inmarsat cockpit safety provisions as well as SwiftBroadband IP data and voice capability.
The C-130J Hercules is a heavy-lift tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft powered by four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines and can accommodate a payload of up to 20t or more than 90 passengers. The block upgrade program ensures interoperability across the worldwide C-130J fleet. The C-130J is crewed by two pilots and a load master, and features a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller. The first C-130 flew some 50 years ago and several are still in operation. Today, the C-130J Super Hercules is by far the most common heavy lift transport aircraft in the World.
The Block 8.1 upgrade will be implemented on the fleets of a large number of C-130J operators in the U.K., Australia, Italy, Denmark, Canada, Norway and the USA. The award will have no impact on Thrane & Thrane’s revenue and profit expectations, as previously set out in its announcement for the year ended April 30, 2012.
