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 extensive digital upgrades, called Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2, for the nearly 60-year-old C-130H transport aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base.
The modernization completely reconstructs the C-130H cockpit, replacing analog gauges with six new multifunctional displays, a digital flight management system, autopilot, and other integrated digital avionics.
These $7 million per aircraft upgrades significantly improve the aircrew interface, simplifying navigation with GPS and a search function, and reducing the time to modify flight plans from minutes to under 30 seconds.
Over the next five years, nearly two dozen Air Force Reserve and 54 Air National Guard C-130H aircraft are scheduled to receive these digital enhancements.
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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