Rockwell Collins has been selected by L-3 Platform Integration to support the Argentine Air Force’s (AAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft upgrade programme.
In October 2014, L-3 Communications Integrated Systems received a $68.8m contract from the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to modernise AAF’s five C-130 Hercules aircraft, consistent with the world’s leading C-130 operators.
Rockwell Collins will supply its Flight2 avionics system with an aim to provide AAF’s C-130 aircraft with unrestricted access to global airspace by meeting currently identified communication, navigation, surveillance / air traffic management airspace requirements.
Rockwell Collins Airborne Solutions vice-president and general manager Troy Brunk said: "Argentine Air Force pilots will experience greater situational awareness and communications capabilities with the highly advanced avionics onboard these aircraft.
"Through our work with L-3’s Platform Integration division and the Argentine Air Force, we look forward to continuing our long legacy of helping C-130 pilots achieve their missions with these important upgrades."
The Flight2 system is developed from Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics solution. It improves aircraft’s operational capabilities by offering an open systems architecture that combines flight operations with navigation and guidance functions, as well as supports future growth requirement.
The C-130 modernisation project covers addition of a full glass cockpit with new primary flight displays, required navigation performance / area navigation flight management system with high altitude release point / computed air release point precision air drop software.
Additional equipment includes an autopilot, communication and Satcom radios, APN-241 precision ground mapping radar integration, navigation sensors and surveillance systems including traffic collision avoidance system, terrain awareness and warning system and digital map.
Upgrade of the first aircraft is being performed by L-3 at its facility in Waco, Texas, US. The remaining four C-130s are scheduled to be modified at Fábrica Argentina de Aviones’ facility in Cordoba, Argentina, with support from the project’s prime contractor.
Modernisation of all five aircraft is expected to be completed by May 2019.
