The modernization effort updates the heavy lift aircraft's 60-year-old avionics with new flight management systems, autopilot, and digital engine instruments.
The newly all-digital C-130H cockpit sits ready for its next test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The major upgrade, called Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2, is a significant improvement to the almost 60-year-old aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
U.S. Air Force Reserve Command pilots are testing significant digital upgrades to the nearly 60-year-old C-130H's analog navigation and avionics systems.
The modernization, costing $7 million per aircraft, replaces analog gauges with six new multifunctional displays, a flight management system, autopilot, and modern GPS navigation.
These upgrades dramatically improve the pilot interface, simplifying navigation and reducing the time required to modify flight plans from minutes to less than 30 seconds.
Nearly two dozen Air Force Reserve and 54 Air National Guard C-130H aircraft are slated to receive these "Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2" upgrades over the next five years.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Command pilots at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, have started testing new digital upgrades to the nearly 60-year-old C-130H’s analog navigation and avionics systems.
Gone are the three analog gauges and in their place are six new multifunctional displays that work together through the aircraft’s flight deck.
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