Tue, Jun 10, 2008
Modernized Hercules Undergoing Tests At Edwards
Boeing said this week the first C-130 Avionics Modernization
Program (AMP) aircraft, H2, has completed its 100th flight. The
aircraft, which is undergoing flight testing at Edwards Air Force
Base (AFB), CA has flown several cross-country sorties and is ahead
of development schedule. The milestone also marks the halfway point
in the aircraft's flight-test program.
"This achievement is a testament to the robustness and
reliability of the AMP systems," said Mike Harris, Boeing vice
president and C-130 AMP program manager. "The systems' maturity
allows the flight-test program to keep up with a high frequency of
flight operations. We are very pleased with the aircraft's
performance and with the Boeing and US Air Force team who together
are making AMP a success."
Two C-130 AMP aircraft are currently located at the Air Force
Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, and both continue to exceed
ground- and flight-testing expectations.
"Testing is progressing ahead of schedule," Harris said. With
the majority of the AMP aircraft's systems exercised, some testing
is now being used to gather data to support the next software
build, Core Complete 2.2.
A third aircraft, H3, is undergoing modifications and upgrades
at Boeing Support Systems' San Antonio facility. The aircraft will
receive a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital
glass cockpit and a new digital avionics system.
The aircraft is one of more than 200 C-130 aircraft that Boeing
Support Systems will modify under the AMP initiative, which
provides enhanced digital avionics, increasing situational
awareness for the warfighter. The AMP upgrade also brings
commonality to the C-130 fleet and offers flexibility in assigning
aircrew, regardless of the model design type. The Air Force awarded
Boeing the AMP contract in 2001.
Boeing plans to begin Low Rate Initial Production next year.
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]