Rockwell Collins has completed the installation of its first Flight2 avionics system on the French Air Force C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft.
The integration is part of the C-130H Hercules modernisation contract awarded by the French Defense Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement) under which Rockwell Collins will upgrade 14 of the aircraft for the French Air Force.
The Flight2 avionics system provides a next-generation communications navigation surveillance/air traffic management solution that allows the C-130H to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
Rockwell Collins France managing director Philippe Bardet said: “This milestone is the next step in supplying tested modification kits directly to fielded French Air Force C-130H aircraft.
“Upgrading to the Flight2 system provides the French Air Force with the latest generation of avionics that provides a tactical advantage in military operations and external conditions while optimising budget and minimising aircraft downtime.”
The company will also integrate the French C-130H with its dual head-up guidance system complete with an infrared camera for asset detection and EVS multispectral enhanced vision system.
These systems are expected to enhance pilot situational awareness and aircraft operational capabilities, while they will help to support specific mission requirements.
Rockwell Collins noted that the capability upgrade will provide long-term, local, reliable support to the French Air Force C-130H fleet.
For the modernisation programme, the company established an industrial partnership between Sabena Technics and Lockheed Martin for the development of new capabilities on the aircraft.
Image: Flight2 avionics system is the most widely used C-130 modernisation solution. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
