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.

FMI: www.boeing.com