Building Blocks

Dec. 21, 2011

With the C-130J Block 7.0 configuration in flight trials, Lockheed Martin received a $167 million contract from the Air Force to develop a follow-on Block 8.1 package, announced the company. Currently equipped to the Block 6.0 standard, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Super Hercules aircraft will receive protected communication, navigation, air-traffic-management, and identification avionics, in addition to physical enhancements like covert operations lighting under the Block 8.1 upgrade. “Throughout its history, the C-130 has constantly changed and adapted to ensure it is always relevant and meeting the latest operational requirements,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed’s C-130 program vice president. In addition to US aircraft, the company said it will also offer the upgrade option to international C-130J operators. “The Block Upgrade Program ensures interoperability across the worldwide C-130J fleet. This sophisticated degree of commonality . . . is one reason the proven Hercules is in such high demand,” added Martin.

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