C-130H Hercules

Description: The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules is a medium-size transport aircraft designed to operate from rough dirt strips. The first prototype, the YC-130A, maiden flight took place in 1954. The first model C-130A achieved initial operational capability in December1956 becoming thereafter the most important cargo transport aircraft of the free world. Since then, the C-130s had assumed a wide range of military tasks such as airlift, airdrop, reconnaissance, special operations, close air support, electronic warfare, air refueling, etc. The C-130 features an aft loading ramp and door and is able to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six- to eight-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. The Hercules can be configured to carry out different missions and re-configured to its original cargo transport mission.

To date, more than 2,400 C-130s in more than 70 variants to five basic models (A, B , E, H and J) have been produced for customers worldwide. In the first decade of 21st century the majority of C-130s in service belong to the E, H and J basic models introduced in the early 1960s, in the 1970s and late 1990s respectively. The US Air Force, Navy and Marines operate the C-130 aircraft as well as the air forces of 66+ other nations worldwide. The US Air Force plans to convert the surviving E and H models to the C-130AMP (Avionics Modernization Program) configuration beginning in 2007. AMP covers avionics modernization and some engine improvements to keep the fleet flying and serviceable well beyond 2020.

The C-130H is one of the most modern versions of the C-130 aircraft. It was deployed in 1974 and jointly with the C-130E is still in service in large numbers in the US Air Force, as well as in the Air Forces of several allied nations. Under the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), Boeing will modify more than 500 US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps legacy C-130 aircraft at Boeing's facility in San Antonio, Texas, US Air Force Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Georgia, and Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah. The first aircraft underwent C-130 AMP upgrade will take to the skies in early 2006. In June 2005 the AMP program was valued at $4.4 billion including refitting of 465 aircraft, of which 222 for the USAF.

The C-130 AMP program will standardize aircraft configurations with the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible digital glass cockpit with head-up displays and provide a reduction in total ownership costs for the US Air Force. The new avionics system features digital displays and the proven flight management system from the 737 commercial airliner, both of which provide navigation, safety and communication improvements to meet global air traffic management (GATM) requirements. The US Air Force will upgrade 268 aircraft under C-130 AMP program (April 2007 estimate).

In March 2005, the Swedish Air Force and Boeing signed a letter of agreement for the upgrade of eight C-130E/H aircraft under the C-130 AMP program. The final foreign military sales contract between the US Air Force and Boeing signing was foreseen by the summer 2005. The first Swedish C-130 aircraft was anticipated to enter AMP in 2007 and the final aircraft modified under C-130 AMP to be delivered back to Sweden in 2009. Through this program, Sweden would become the first C-130 AMP international customer and get a lowering in total ownership costs for its C-130 fleet.