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L3 wins $500m contract to upgrade avionics on 176 C-130Hs
L3 Technologies has been awarded a $500 million contract for a major avionics upgrade of 176 Lockheed Martin C-130H tactical transports flown by the US Air National Guard and US Air Force (USAF) Reserve Command.

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Lockheed Martin Delivers First HC-130J Combat King II to New York Air National Guard
Lockheed Martin Delivers First HC-130J Combat King II to New York Air National Guard

106th Rescue Wing Recapitalizing Legacy HC-130 Fleet With Four HC-130Js

"The HC-130 Hercules aircraft has been an essential part of the 106th’s Rescue Wing’s fleet for many decades, supporting these brave Airmen in meeting their mission requirements time and time again.” -Ray Burick

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AFSOC gets latest, most advanced AC-130J gunship
The latest version of the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship has been delivered to the 4th Special Operations Squadron.

The 1st Special Operations Wing said in a news release Wednesday that the gunship is the first Block 30 Ghostrider for Air Force Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. It was delivered to the 4th SOS — which is based at Hurlburt Field in Florida — in a small unveiling ceremony at Bob Skies Airport in Crestview, Florida.
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USAF to undertake centre-wing replacement of Hercules airlifters
The USAF is to award Lockheed Martin a contract to replace the centre-wing section on an undisclosed number of C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft. Source: IHS Markit/Patrick Allen

The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Lockheed Martin a sole-source contract to replace the centre-wing section on an undisclosed number of C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, the service disclosed on 3 March.

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Laser pointed at US military cargo plane in Tokyo sparks local police probe
Japanese police have opened an investigation after someone pointed a laser at two Yokota-based C-130J cargo aircraft Monday evening.

The incidents occurred near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo at around 6:30 p.m., a Fussa Police Department spokesman said Wednesday.

A green laser targeted the Super Hercules from the ground somewhere in the Tokyo town of Mizuho, according to the Mainichi newspaper. It did not cause any damage or injuries and the aircraft did not change course.
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C-130 News:CAG report blames ‘inadequate training’ for 2014 Super Hercules crash that killed 5
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has found that one of the chief reasons why a brand new C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft crashed in 2014 and killed five crew members, including the pilots, was “inadequate training”, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in Parliament Wednesday.

What’s shocking about this finding is that a simulator for this aircraft had been available since 2012, but was used for training only in 2016 because the IAF and manufacturer Lockheed Martin could not finalise a usage contract.

Less than 10 minutes after the aircraft took off from Agra on 28 March 2014, it crashed 115 km west of Gwalior while on a routine training mission.

Two wing commanders, two squadron leaders and another crew member were killed in the crash.

The C-130J aircraft

The Indian Air Force had first bought six C-130 J aircraft, meant for special operations, through the Foreign Military Sales (government-to-government) route in 2008 for $962.45 million.

The IAF later went in for procurement of six additional aircraft through the same route.

The aircraft is meant for special mission roles, and is fitted with an infrared detection set, enabling precision low-level flying.

The aircraft can land on unpaved surfaces and requires a very short take-off and landing space. It has proved to be a huge asset for the Indian military.

Simulator not used for 3.5 years

The CAG noted that one C-130J-30 aircraft procured under initial contract met with a “CAT-I fatal flying accident” in March 2014.

“Investigation concluded inadequate experience and training of the crew as one of reasons for the aircraft and recommended operationalization of Simulator for C-130 J30 at the earliest as one of the remedial measure (sic),” the report stated.

The audit observed that the simulator was provided by the vendor, Lockheed Martin, “against contract of January 2009, on a user rate payment basis”.

It noted that despite the installation of the simulator in December 2012, training could not be imparted for more than three-and-a-half years to pilots (December 2012 to November 2016) due to non-finalisation of usage contract.

“The simulator was installed but could not be put to use due to non-finalisation of usage rate contract by IAF. Usage rate contract was signed (August 2016) and training on simulator actually commenced in November 2016,” the report said.

The defence ministry accepted the delay in commissioning of training simulator, though it stated that inadequate training was not the primary reason for the accident.

“However, (the) audit noted that the IAF investigation report had pointed out inadequate training as one of the reasons for the accident,” the report stated.

View Original Article: https://theprint.in/defence/cag-report-blames-inadequate-training-for-2014-super-hercules-crash-that-killed-5/192940/
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C-130 News:UK Hercules centre-wing box replacement effort gets under way for completion in 2027
Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has begun work on the centre-wing box (CWB) replacement effort for 14 UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, which should be complete in 2027.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Jane's on 15 February that having awarded Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group the CWB contract in July 2017, a further "embodiment" contract to supply the CWB kits was awarded in 2018, paving the way for the commencement of work on the 14 aircraft.

The RAF fields both the 'short-bodied' C-130J (designated C5 in RAF service) and 'long-bodied' C-130J-30 (C4) variants of the Hercules. As stated in the country's 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the RAF at that time planned to divest its 10 C-130Js while retaining its 14 C-130J-30s.

However, in June 2018 Jane's reported that one of these C-130J-30s was abandoned in Iraq following heavy landing, leaving just 13 in the inventory. On 9 August 2018 an MoD spokesperson told Jane's that it is still the intention to field 14 Hercules, and while this would necessitate the retention of one C-130J the spokesperson noted that the exact composition of the fleet has yet to be determined.

Despite the MoD declining to specify the planned composition of its Hercules fleet, a US Air Force solicitation for a CWB replacement effort for one C-130J and 13 C-130J-30 aircraft released at the same time as the MoD's comments to Jane's has been identified as being for the UK.

View Original Article: https://www.janes.com/article/86426/uk-hercules-centre-wing-box-replacement-effort-gets-under-way-for-completion-in-2027
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An Update on the Australian C-130J: Plan Jericho and Related Developments
A range of upgrades and modifications have been fitted under Plan Jericho to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules A97-448, providing the RAAF’s Air Mobility Group with a ‘Jericho Demonstrator’ to explore how it will provide air mobility as part of a Fifth-Generation Air Force.

Upgrades include the installation of a Ka-Band Satellite Communications (SATCOM) antenna, external fuel tanks (taking total fuel capacity from 19 to 27 tons) to increase range/loiter and fuel offload; and other advancements to crew awareness and survivability.

Air Mobility Group will use the Jericho Demonstrator in support of other Defence and Government agencies to determine how to increase the utility of its Hercules fleet in the future.

In addition the RAAF is evaluating adding Litening AT pods to its C-130Js as well.

According to an article by Andrew McLaughlin published on February 6, 2019 in Australian Defence Business Review:

The RAAF is reportedly looking to integrate the Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-28 Litening AT targeting and EO/IR pod with its fleet of 12 C-130J Hercules airlifters.

With the retirement of the F/A-18A/B classic Hornet by 2022, the RAAF will have about 40 Litening AT pods in its inventory.

The pods were acquired for the classic Hornet fleet in 2008 under the Project AIR 5376 Phase 2.4 element of the Hornet Upgrade Program (HUG) to replace the AN/AAS-38 NITEHawk pod….

The addition of an EO/IR pod such as the Litening AT would enhance the C-130J’s ability to provide ISR overwatch for forces on the ground, to ensure a designated landing or extraction zone is clear of threats, to geolocate targets of interest or precision airdrop locations, or to even provide fires support to off-board shooters. For peacetime missions, a high-performance EO/IR pod could provide accurate imagery and data to support the HADR or search and rescue roles…..

View original Article and additional Images: https://sldinfo.com/2019/02/an-update-on-the-australian-c-130j-plan-jericho-and-related-developments/

 
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Investigation: Corroded Propeller Blade Caused KC-130T Crash
The Marine Corps determined that a corroded propeller blade that came off mid-flight was the cause of the July 10, 2017, crash of a KC-130T transport plane.

That propeller did not go through proper maintenance the last time it was sent to an Air Force repair depot, which may have led to the damaged propeller remaining on the airplane that ultimately crashed and killed all 16 personnel onboard.
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KC-130J AND FA-18 GO DOWN IN OCEAN OFF JAPAN
One Marine has died, another is in fair condition and five are still missing after a collision between a fighter and a refueling plane off the coast of Japan, U.S. and Japanese officials said Thursday.

The incident, which involved an F/A-18 Hornet and a KC-130 Hercules aerial tanker that took off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, happened at about 2 a.m. during “regularly scheduled training,” a Marine Corps statement said.

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C-130 aircraft crash lands at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) C-130 cargo aircraft crash landed at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi on Friday.

The aircraft caught fire after the hard landing and the pilot and the trainee pilot were reported safe by authorities.

The PAF C-130 was on a routine training flight, said a spokesman for the service and added that the fire was extinguished and all crew members are safe.

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Government’s “smart pledge” of RCAF aircraft for UN still not met
A little more than nine months ago the Canadian government announced its “first smart pledge” as part of its renewed emphasis on helping the United Nations. It would station a C-130 Hercules aircraft to provide tactical airlift support for the UN’s Regional Support Centre in Entebbe Uganda
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C-130 with rich heritage enhances training and readiness
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – In late March 2018, an MC-130P Combat Shadow out of Moffett Federal Field, California, took its final flight to Sheppard AFB, where it would continue its legacy of supporting the Air Force as a maintenance trainer for Airmen in Training.

This particular MC-130, which has been in combat in Vietnam, the Cold War and was even deployed to catch falling satellites, now serves as a part of the 82nd Training Wing’s Special Missions Aircraft Armament Apprentice Course and the C-130 Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice Course.

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Dobbins flies tactical airlift training mission at Youngstown
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. – Rays of sunshine pierce through the cargo bay windows of a C-130H3 Hercules. The monotonous rumble of the engines make the plane’s flight almost peaceful. Suddenly the aircraft goes into a hard left bank. The gravity inside the aircraft seems to triple as the g-force takes effect, pinning everyone to their seats.

 
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US to boost nuke sniffing with modified C-130s
When the Air Force dispatches aircraft to the Asia-Pacific to monitor the atmosphere for signs of nuclear activity from North Korea, it relies on its WC-135 Constant Phoenix nuke-sniffing planes. But with only two of those in the service’s inventory, it’s possible the WC-135s might not be able to respond to every contingency.

Enter the ever-versatile C-130 Hercules, which now can be equipped with a modular kit that allows it to detect nuclear particles in the atmosphere.

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8 injured in Algeria as military plane overshoots the runway
Algerian television channels say eight crew members have been injured after a military aircraft overshot the runway upon landing at Biskra Airport.

Private news channels Ennahar and Dzair News are showing images of the plane, a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, cut in half near the airport, which is 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of Algiers, the capital.

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C-130 News: StandardAero Awarded $600 Million Multi-Year U.S. Air Force T56 Engine MRO Contract
The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded its Rolls-Royce T56 Engine Depot Overhaul contract to StandardAero, allowing the company to continue its support of the USAF fleet of C-130H aircraft for an additional 8 ½ years, as an exclusive provider.

The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded its Rolls-Royce T56 Engine Depot Overhaul contract to StandardAero, allowing the company to continue its support of the USAF fleet of C-130H aircraft for an additional 8 ½ years, as an exclusive provider.  The total contract value is more than $600M and work will be performed at StandardAero’s facilities in San Antonio, Texas and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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C-130 News: Iraqi Air Force graduates first craftsman maintenance technicians
The Iraqi Air Force certified their first 7-level craftsman C-130 Hercules maintenance technicians in a ceremony, December 27, 2017.

The occasion represents a landmark in the Iraqi Air Force’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency through the development of its own skilled technical workforce. Currently they rely on C-130J contract logistics support teams to provide the same skills, at a cost of approximately $140 million per year.
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C-130 News: First of its kind upgraded C-130H returns to Wyo. Air Guard
The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing briefly welcomed home the Air Force's first fully-upgraded C-130H, Saturday. This aircraft is the first C-130H to receive extensive upgrades allowing the Air National Guard to remain competitive with the C-130J found primarily at active-duty wings.

During the past 18 months, this specific aircraft has been at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, receiving three separate engine-related modifications<br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">
aiming to make the legacy aircraft more efficient.


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C-130 News: USAF Eyeing New Props and Upgraded Engines To Breathe Extra Life Into Old C-130Hs
After nearly a decade of on-again-off-again testing, a one-of-a-kind C-130H Hercules airlifter from the Wyoming Air National Guard is on its way for an evaluation of its latest configuration, which includes upgraded engines and eight-bladed propellers with an advanced electronic control system. Refitting other H-model aircraft with the same modifications could potentially save the U.S. Air Force millions in operating costs, but it’s unclear when this might happen.

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C-130 News: Lockheed to open training center for Marietta-made aircraft
Lockheed Martin’s Marietta facility will open a training center this summer aimed at preparing pilots and crews to operate aircraft models produced at the Cobb plant.

The Hercules Training Center, according to company documents, will feature academic classroom space, training devices and full-motion simulator facilities to train those who pilot or serve on the crew of the C-130J Super Hercules military tactical airlifter and LM-100J commercial multi-purpose air freighter. Both aircraft are built at the Marietta facility.

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C-130 News: 2017: An extraordinary year for the Flying Yankees
In the illustrious 94-year history of the Flying Yankees, 2017 was a year that stood out. It was a year of change but, above all, a year of achievements for the 103rd Airlift Wing.

The most significant change was the conversion to a tactical airlift mission early in the year. The unit, which had previously flown the A-10, now files the C-130.


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C-130 News: Airman’s prestigious medal found in storage locker
In October 2001, less than a month after the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States, U.S. and British military forces were beginning a series of airstrikes on Afghanistan. They were there because the Islamic extremist Taliban had refused to turn over Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaida extremist leader who orchestrated the attacks that took almost 3,000 lives and left twice that many people wounded.

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C-130 News:Marshall to support French C-130H fleet
Marshall Aerospace and Defense Group has received a contract from France's Service Industrial de l’Aéronautique (SIAé) to provide engineering services to the French Air Force fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft, the company announced on 22 December.

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