L3 Makes Its C-130 Modernization Package Available to Global Operators

June 25, 2019

William Kucinski

As of 2015, more than 2,500 Lockheed Martin  (née Lockheed) C-130 Hercules  military transport aircraft have been built and delivered. Originally developed in the early 1950s, the Hercules exists in 70 variants and operates in 70 countries. Keeping the workhorse aircraft up-to-date in the era of digital communications and glass cockpits in the United States alone is a monumental task. Now, L3 Technologies, Inc.  – according to an announcement made at the 53rd International Paris Air Show  – is opening up its Lockheed Martin C-130 modernized avionics solution to global operators.

The new C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) is based on the company’s certified and fielded U.S. Air Force C-130 avionics solution and includes modern Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management-compliant (CNS/ATM-compliant) avionics and glass cockpit upgrades that integrate with modern satellite communications and automation systems. The AMP avionics suite and installation – offered by L3’s Integrated Aerospace Systems (IAS) business – will leverage L3’s existing deliveries to fulfill avionics upgrade requirements for all foreign C-130H users.

William Kucinski  is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include literally anything that has to do with space, past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology.

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