Canada-based Cascade Aerospace has completed the first Block 7.0 upgrade installation on a C-130J Super Hercules operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
The company claims that this is the first C-130J Block 7.0 upgrade to be installed outside of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or government facility.
Currently, RCAF has a total of 17 CC-130Js and they will all receive the Block 7.0 upgrade with the installation process managed by Cascade Aerospace.
The Block 7.0 programme adds 29 capabilities to the C-130J Hercules, including Link-16 Tactical Data Link, new flight management system that complies with CNS / ATM mandates and includes vertical navigation and coupled auto throttle capacity, special mission display processor, civil GPS and ground power modules.
The tactical data link offers improved situational awareness by linking voice and graphic communications between allied aircraft.
The Block 7.0 capabilities were selected by a multi-national C-130J Super Hercules user group that includes Canada, the US, Italy, Denmark, the UK, Australia and Norway.
It is reported that Canada will be the first C-130J operator to accomplish a full fleet Block 7.0 upgrade, which is scheduled to be completed this October.
Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace and Defence, that provides long-term integrated fleet support programmes and comprehensive programme management, engineering, aircraft maintenance, modification and integrated logistics support to domestic & international military, government and commercial customers.
