New Data Link Systems To Provide Compatibility With Future Air Traffic Management System

A multi-million dollar agreement for the communication, navigation and air traffic management data link for the C-130J aircraft in the Block 8.1 configuration was announced at the Farnborough Air Show Monday by GE Aviation and Lockheed Martin.

“The C-130 is the U.S. Air Force principle tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft and it requires the most advanced systems available,” said Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems. "This technology upgrade will enable military operations to be compatible with our future air traffic management system.”

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $167 million block upgrade contract to Lockheed Martin in December 2011 to overhaul the C-130J Hercules with Block 8.1 configuration.

“The Block Upgrade program ensures interoperability across the worldwide C-130J fleet,” said George Schultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager C-130 programs. “This sophisticated degree of technology and commonality across C-130J types and variants is one reason the proven Hercules is in such high demand.”

The Block 8.1 configuration contains software and hardware capability expansion such as modernized identification friend or foe (IFF), automatic dependent surveillance broadcast, communication, navigation and air traffic management data link.

(Image provided by Lockheed Martin)

FMI: www.ge.com/aviation