C130 Hercules aanpassingen

[Harald]

C-130H Eight-Bladed NP2000 Prop Upgrade Plans Cut Short By USAF

Refitting C-130Hs with NP2000 propellers offers performance and maintenance benefits, but the USAF is fully focused on buying newer C-130Js.

The U.S. Air Force will not add eight-bladed NP2000 propellers to any more of its aging C-130H Hercules transport planes, curtailing a previous upgrade plan as it continues to transition more fully to the newer C-130J variant. The NP2000s, which give H models a boost in thrust and fuel efficiency, and help reduce maintenance demands while increasing reliability, are among several upgrades that have been helping to keep the older Hercules aircraft going.

The Pentagon recently released a budget reprogramming document, dated September 29, 2025, detailing the movement of various funds into a general-purpose modernization account. This included nearly $24 million that had been set aside for upgrading C-130Hs with NP2000 propellers. Congress must approve any such reallocation of money from one part of the defense budget to another.

"Funds are available for transfer to the Defense Modernization Account, Defense-Wide, from a congressional increase for the C-130H NP2000 Eight Bladed Propeller due to the completion of the modification effort for the fleet," the document states. "Efficiencies in quantity were achieved due to additional C-130J procurement, which reduced the number of C-130H NP2000 Eight Bladed Propeller modifications required as remaining unmodified C-130Hs will be divested."



The Air Force "completed [NP2000] installations on 90 C-130H aircraft in June 2025," according to the service's most recent budget request for the 2025 Fiscal Year, but it is unclear if that represents the total number of aircraft upgraded to date. However, it would seem that this figure is at least close to the total, given that the Air Force expects to only have 92 C-130Hs left in inventory at all by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. This includes examples assigned to Air National Guard units. As of 2021, the service planned to upgrade the propellers on around 140 H models. The Air Force first began flying H variants of the C-130 in the mid-1970s.

The Air Force also has 10 LC-130Hs, which are specially configured for operations in and around the polar regions, and have received NP2000 propellers. A portion of the U.S. Navy's fleet of C-130T transport and KC-130T tankers, which are derived from the H model, also now sport the new propellers.

Work to replace the four-bladed propellers on the Air Force's C-130Hs with NP2000s, coupled with new electronic control systems, dates back to the mid-2010s. The propellers can give H model Hercules aircraft up to 20 percent extra thrust, reducing the distance needed for takeoff by around 984 feet (300 meters), depending on various factors, according to Collins Aerospace, the current contractor behind the upgrade package. The increase in thrust also translates to a bump in fuel economy.

In addition, the NP2000s vibrate less than the four-bladed propellers originally found on the C-130H, contributing to reduced maintenance requirements. They also have the benefit of being quieter and more reliable.

The Air Force had further combined with NP2000s with additional upgrades to the Rolls-Royce (formerly Allison) T56 series turboprop engines that power the C-130H, offering further performance and maintenance benefits.

As the budget reprogramming document notes, the Air Force's priority now is on acquiring more C-130Js. New Rolls-Royce AE 2100-series turboprops and six-bladed propellers are among the improvements found on the J models compared to earlier variants.



By 2029, the Air Force expects the C-130H fleet to have dropped in size to just 61 aircraft, according to its Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. When the service expects to retire the very last of its H variants, including the remaining specialized LC-130Hs, is unclear. Work is now moving forward to at least supplement the latter fleet with new LC-130Js.

If nothing else, the NP2000 upgrade program for the Air Force's C-130H fleet has come to an end.

https://www.twz.com/air/eight-bladed-np2000-prop-upgrade-plans-for-usaf-c-130hs-cut-short

[Harald]

US-Spezialkräfte: C-130 Hercules bekommen Kampfjet-Radar der F-16V https://share.google/Ab88cd2rTXnvOjvL3



AN/APG-83 AESA-radar voor AC-130J
Speciale Hercules krijgt straaljagerradar

De Amerikaanse luchtmacht is van plan om haar speciale versies van de Hercules-familie uit te rusten met een nieuw, geavanceerd radarsysteem dat is afgeleid van de F-16 straaljager.

Het Special Operations Command van de Amerikaanse luchtmacht gebruikt verschillende speciaal aangepaste Hercules-toestellen voor speciale missies, met name de AC-130J Ghostrider . Om de capaciteiten van de vloot verder te verbeteren, zijn de generaals van plan nieuwe radarsystemen te installeren. De keuze viel op de AN/APG-83 van Northrop Grumman. Dit systeem, ook bekend als de Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), is voorzien van een antenne met elektronische straalsturing en wordt ook gebruikt in de huidige versie van de Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Momenteel zijn de speciale Hercules-toestellen uitgerust met slechts één radar met een mechanische antenne, voornamelijk geoptimaliseerd voor weersomstandigheden en navigatie. De AN/APN-241 is sinds begin jaren negentig in de neus van de transporter geïnstalleerd, aanvankelijk in de C-130H en nu in de C-130J. Het nieuwe systeem kan echter meerdere doelen in vrijwel realtime volgen, ongeacht de weersomstandigheden, en deze in beeld brengen in de SAR-modus (synthetic aperture). De SABR zou ook beter bestand zijn tegen jamming. Dit vergroot de operationele mogelijkheden, met name voor de AC-130J. Tot nu toe vertrouwde het gevechtsvliegtuig voornamelijk op elektro-optische sensoren.

Hercules Trio
De andere varianten, de HC-130J en MC-130J, profiteren ook van de extra mogelijkheden. Tot slot biedt de AN/APG-83, die in de F-16V wordt gebruikt, extra mogelijkheden voor elektronische oorlogsvoering en verkenning. Details over de installatie en de planning zijn nog niet beschikbaar.

De plannen werden eind augustus onthuld via een aanbestedingsprocedure van het USAF Logistics Command. Een verzoek om informatie aan de industrie maakt melding van de installatie van 147 apparaten. Hiervan zijn er 30 bestemd voor de AC-130J-gevechtshelikopterversie, 64 voor de MC-130J en 39 voor de HC-130J. Er zijn nog eens 14 eenheden gepland als reserve. Naast de radars omvat het potentiële contract antennemodules, ontvangers en cabine-uitrustingssets voor de Hercules, evenals de installatie ervan.

[Harald]

Nieuw TACAMO-missievliegtuig gaat Phoenix II heten https://share.google/G4BqQJkvPuVfviuju

TACAMO-Rollout-Ceremony-in-Hangar-Blue-Lighting-Northrop-Grumman-Artist-rendering-scaled


Het Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) en Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1) van de Amerikaanse marine hebben de officiële naam bekendgemaakt voor het nieuwe Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO)-missievliegtuig van de marine: E-130J Phoenix II.

In oktober 2024 werd de tijdelijke naam E-XX officieel omgedoopt tot E-130J. Vanaf nu is de naam van de E-130J veranderd in Phoenix II, verwijzend naar de mythische vogel met het vermogen om herboren te worden en een symbool van onsterfelijkheid, wederopstanding en vernieuwing. De naam is ook een knipoog naar het C-130-platform dat tussen1963-1993 de TACAMO-missie vervulde met de EC-130Q.

De E-130J Phoenix II zal de viermotorige E-6B Mercury-vloot van de marine aflossen van de TACAMO-missie. TACAMO is daarbij de essentiële verbinding tussen de president, de minister van Defensie en het Amerikaanse Strategisch Commando en de marine-eenheden voor ballistische raketten.

De Northrop Grumman Corporation werd eerder al geselecteerd als hoofdaannemer om nucleaire commando-, controle- en communicatievliegtuigen (NC3) te leveren.

SCW-1 squadrons zijn gestationeerd op Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Hieronder vallen de "Ironmen" van Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 3, de "Shadows" van VQ-4 en de "Roughnecks" van VQ-7.

[Harald]

The MC-130J Commando II, whose deliveries officially began in September 2011, is the first purpose-built special operations variant of the C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

US Air Force modernizes MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft to fly deeper into hostile territories.

In its FY2026 budget, the US Air Force has included $365.086 million to fund modifications for the HC/MC-130 fleet, with particular emphasis on the MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft. This investment supports post-production enhancement activities to maintain and expand the aircraft's mission-specific capabilities, including clandestine infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in contested or denied territories. The funds, which cover aircraft system modifications, training system upgrades, and sustainment improvements, also support interoperability and survivability upgrades aligned with evolving threat environments.

As of June 2025, the Air Force has received 134 aircraft under the HC/MC/AC-130J program, including 64 MC-130J units. The average remaining service life for these aircraft is 27.2 years, based on a projected total operational lifespan of 35 years. In FY2026, $10.117 million is allocated to MC-130J post-production support, and an additional $17.986 million to shared HC/MC-130 sustainment. These amounts are intended for lifecycle management, logistics support, and addressing diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS). The MC-130J enhancements address requirements from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), including precision navigation, GPS-denied operations, and secure communication capabilities in a networked battlespace. No new MC-130J airframes will be procured in FY2026, and the Air Force confirms that the entire $365.086 million will be obligated to Air Force-only efforts, with no partner service allocations.

Several major MC-130J upgrade efforts are either continuing or being initiated in FY2026. The MC-130J Increment 2 upgrade, previously funded at $39.676 million, delivers core enhancements to mission systems. The integration of Link 16, previously funded at $4.42 million, supports tactical data exchange with allied and joint platforms. The MC-STAR XIII upgrade is introduced in FY2026 with $3.899 million in funding and is intended to improve survivability and electronic countermeasure effectiveness. Additional avionics updates include the Broadband Antenna and LAIRCM (Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures) systems, which are designed to enhance threat detection and counter infrared-guided weapons. Another significant allocation is $83.714 million for continued integration of the Airborne Mission Networking (AbMN) system, which provides a secure, resilient communications architecture supporting distributed operations.

Training systems and minor upgrades are also covered in the FY2026 budget. The Air Force assigns $21.728 million to MC-Trainer Modifications, enabling simulators to reflect the evolving configurations of the operational fleet and support realistic mission rehearsals. An additional $0.583 million is designated for MC-Low Cost Modifications, which address small-scale capability gaps and safety issues while preserving configuration standardization across the fleet. The MC/AC-Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (R-PNT) system remains a long-term initiative to ensure performance in degraded or denied GNSS conditions, although no specific funding for R-PNT is identified in the FY2026 request. Additional investments under the modification account include technology refresh studies, bridge buys to mitigate obsolescence, and sustainment-related improvements targeting safety, maintainability, and operational effectiveness.

The MC-130 aircraft series originated during the Vietnam War as part of a classified program to adapt the C-130 airframe for special operations roles. The MC-130E Combat Talon I was developed under Project Thin Slice and equipped with terrain-following radar and the Fulton STARS recovery system. It entered operational use in 1966 and conducted low-level insertions, leaflet drops, and personnel recovery missions. The MC-130H Combat Talon II followed in the 1990s, based on the C-130H, and introduced upgraded navigation, radar, and electronic warfare systems. The MC-130P Combat Shadow, converted from HC-130H airframes, supported helicopter aerial refueling. The MC-130W Combat Spear, introduced in the mid-2000s using C-130H-2 airframes, offered an interim capability and was later converted to the AC-130W Dragon Spear configuration with a precision strike package. The MC-130E was retired in 2013, the MC-130P in 2015, and the MC-130H Combat Talon II completed its service in April 2023. These retirements marked the full transition of the special operations fleet to the MC-130J.

The MC-130J Commando II, officially delivered beginning in September 2011, is the first purpose-built special operations C-130 variant. It replaces earlier MC-130E, MC-130H, MC-130P, and MC-130W models while integrating enhanced survivability and mission systems based on a Block 6.5 KC-130J baseline. The MC-130J is capable of clandestine infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply by airland or airdrop, as well as aerial refueling for rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft. It can also perform leaflet drops and operate in politically sensitive or contested territories, primarily at night, to reduce detection. It includes a digital cockpit, enhanced service life wing, universal aerial refueling receptacle, integrated combat systems officer station, defensive systems such as LAIRCM, and the Airborne Mission Networking architecture. Its baseline configuration has evolved through ongoing budget line upgrades, including Increment 2, Link 16, R-PNT, and MC-STAR XIII.

The MC-130J has been deployed in a range of military operations, training events, and exercises. It supports the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility and participates in joint operations with allies in Australia and Europe. The aircraft conducts aerial refueling of MH-60 and MH-47 helicopters, including during multinational exercises such as Talisman Sabre. It is also employed in Europe for Aviation Detachment Rotations with partner forces in Poland. The MC-130J has replaced older variants at key AFSOC bases including Hurlburt Field, Cannon AFB, RAF Mildenhall, and Kadena AB. It contributes to joint forcible entry, dynamic force employment, and distributed basing concepts. With upgrades to its communications and navigation systems, the MC-130J supports both conventional and irregular warfare mission sets, including operations in electromagnetic and cyber-contested environments. It has also been used in non-combatant evacuation and humanitarian assistance scenarios.

Valued at approximately $114.2 million per unit, the MC-130J Commando II is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines producing 4,591 shaft horsepower each. The aircraft has a length of 29.8 meters, a wingspan of 40.4 meters, and a height of 11.8 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 74,389 kilograms. The MC-130J has a range of approximately 4,800 kilometers and a service ceiling of 8,500 meters while carrying a payload of up to 19,050 kilograms. The standard crew includes two pilots, one combat systems officer, and two special mission aviators. As of January 2025, 64 aircraft had been delivered, with no additional procurements planned under the FY2026 budget. The Air Force plans to maintain and operate these aircraft into the 2050s, supported by the current modernization and sustainment strategy.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/us-air-force-modernizes-mc-130j-commando-ii-special-operations-aircraft-to-fly-deeper-into-hostile-territories

[Harald]

End of Era for MC-130J with Delivery of Final Aircraft to US Air Force.

The 58th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Kirtland Air Force Base has received the final MC-130J ever produced, marking the end of a 14-year production run by Lockheed Martin. The aircraft, designated Aircraft 5994, arrived at the base on January 14, 2025, after being manufactured in Marietta, Georgia, in 2024. It was then upgraded at the Rapid Development Integration Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio before being officially classified as an MC-130J.


The MC-130J is a versatile aircraft designed to perform a range of specialized missions for Special Operations Forces.

This delivery is symbolic, marking the end of the production of MC-130J models. It is the last aircraft that the U.S. Air Force will receive, an important milestone for both the military and the manufacturer. The 58th SOW already houses the first MC-130J produced, and delivered to Cannon Air Force Base in 2011, creating a meaningful connection between the first and last aircraft of this series now stationed at the same base.

The acceptance of a new aircraft involves meticulous work from a team of specialists to ensure it is ready for operational use. The 415th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) of the 58th SOW will spend approximately two weeks thoroughly inspecting the MC-130J to prepare it for student training flights. This includes generating all the necessary documentation, including the aircraft's maintenance history sheet, which will begin its record with the 58th SOW.

Master Sergeant Brent Ogle, production superintendent of the 415th AMU, emphasized the importance of maintenance to ensure the aircraft's availability: "Each training flight requires at least 40 man-hours of maintenance to ensure the aircraft is safe and effective. These aircraft will also see a minimum of 200 flight hours every year with our students."

The MC-130J is a versatile aircraft designed to perform a range of specialized missions for Special Operations Forces (SOF). It is primarily used for in-flight refueling of SOF helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft, as well as for infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF by airdrop or airland in remote areas. The aircraft can operate with a maximum takeoff weight of 164,000 pounds, allowing it to carry a significant payload while maintaining strong flight performance.

The MC-130J has a maximum speed of 362 knots (KTAS) when flying at 22,000 feet and can cover an impressive range of 3,000 miles without refueling, making it particularly well-suited for long-range missions in extended operational areas. In terms of altitude, it can reach a ceiling of 28,000 feet while carrying a 42,000-pound payload, which allows it to adapt to a wide range of tactical scenarios, whether in drop zones or high-altitude flights.

A typical MC-130J crew consists of two pilots, one combat systems officer, and two loadmasters (enlisted), allowing for efficient management of various tasks during complex operations. With its versatile capabilities and durability, the MC-130J is a valuable asset for Special Operations missions, providing critical air support in diverse and challenging environments.

The arrival of this final MC-130J brings the total number of MC-130Js assigned to the 58th SOW to eight, significantly enhancing the Air Force's pilot and aircrew training opportunities. With both the newest and oldest MC-130Js now part of its fleet, the 58th SOW looks forward to utilizing Aircraft 5994 in its upcoming training exercises.

This moment marks the culmination of an important chapter in the history of the MC-130J fleet and underscores the ongoing role of the 58th Special Operations Wing in enhancing the U.S. Air Force's training capabilities.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/end-of-era-for-mc-130j-with-delivery-of-final-aircraft-to-us-air-force

MC-130J Commando II
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130/mc-130j-commando-ii.html

Multimission Combat Transport & Special Ops Tanker
The MC-130J Commando II multimission combat transport/special operations tanker, assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), delivers increased combat performance to the warfighter with its more powerful engines and unique features. As it replaces the older MC-130N/P Combat Shadow II aircraft, the MC-130J provides AFSOC with a modern aircraft capable of worldwide employment for missions requiring clandestine single- or multi-ship low-level aerial refueling of Special Operation Force vertical and tilt-rotor aircraft and/or infiltration, resupply and exfiltration by airdrop, or landing on remote airfields.

Primary Function ; Air refueling of SOF helicopter/tilt rotor aircraft, infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of SOF by airdrop or airland

US Air Force MC-130J Commando II STARTUP & TAKEOFF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dJJNG8n8lI

4 X USAF MC-130 in close formation Low level in the Mach Loop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTraCRQWFlc

[Harald]

Navy picks Northrop to deliver nuclear command TACAMO aircraft

The plane will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury.

The Navy today awarded a $3.5 billion contract to Northrop Grumman to be the mission systems integrator for Navy's next-generation plane for commanding nuclear-armed forces in an emergency, beating out competitor Collins Aerospace.

TACAMO is the acronym the Navy uses for the mission known as "take charge and move out." The new plane, dubbed the E-130J, will eventually take over that mission for the legacy fleet, the E-6B Mercury. Its purpose is to provide the chain of command a secure and reliable platform to communicate with any one of the forces encompassing the nuclear triad.

"Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation's nuclear triad," said Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in a written statement announcing the contract award. "The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe."

Under the new contract, Northrop Grumman will integrate the mission systems needed onboard the E-130J, including the Collins Aerospace-made Very Low Frequency communications system, a critical component that allows the plane to communicate with subs deep below the ocean's surface. The airframe will be Lockheed Martin-made C-130J-30s, a stretched version of the C-130J transport aircraft.

"The contract is for three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six aircraft in the first lot of production. Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin are directed subcontractors to support the integration and airworthiness," according to the Navy statement.

Northrop's team for the contract includes Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon's Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc.

"Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B prove we deliver on what we promise, and we will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission," said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager of global surveillance division for Northrop Grumman.

As Breaking Defense previously reported, Northrop Grumman's primary competitor for the contract was RTX-subsidiary Collins Aerospace. Collins could not be immediately reached for comment.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/navy-picks-northrop-to-deliver-nuclear-command-tacamo-aircraft/

The Northrop Grumman-led industry team will deliver the E-130J for the U.S. Navy's TACAMO mission.


Navy's Future E-130J TACAMO 'Doomsday Plane' Seen In New Rendering
https://www.twz.com/air/navys-future-e-130j-tacamo-doomsday-plane-seen-in-new-rendering

[Harald]

Turkije wil 12 stuks Britse C-130 J (C4) aanschaffen

Türkiye Enhances Its Fleet with Acquisition of Former British Air Force Hercules C4 Aircraft.

Military relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom have advanced with Türkiye's acquisition of 12 Hercules C.4 aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Internationally known as C-130J-30 Super Hercules, these transport planes mark a significant upgrade for the Turkish Air Force, allowing the replacement of outdated Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft that have been in service for over six decades. The agreement benefits both nations, optimizing resources while enhancing respective capabilities.

Retired from active RAF service 18 months ago, the Hercules C.4 aircraft had been in storage in England, with some fearing their potential scrapping. However, negotiations initiated in July 2024 concluded successfully on December 1, 2024. Türkiye, known for its discretion regarding military acquisitions, requested that the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.

Prior to this agreement, the RAF fleet included 13 Hercules C.4 and two Hercules C.5 models. While Türkiye exclusively acquired the Hercules C.4 with its longer fuselage, one C.4 and two C.5 models remain available for sale. Discussions with the Bangladesh Air Force and private U.S. operators are ongoing, with the latter exploring the possibility of converting these aircraft into water bombers.

For Türkiye, this acquisition provides a much-needed update to its aging fleet. The current Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft obtained secondhand from the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s and 1980s, are nearing the end of their service lives. Complemented by similarly aged C-130E models, many of these aircraft have seen action during the Vietnam War under U.S. Air Force markings. The Hercules C.4 will significantly improve Türkiye's tactical transport performance and operational reliability.

This agreement is pending approval from U.S. federal authorities, as such sensitive military equipment requires oversight. Türkiye hopes to secure authorization quickly, leveraging its NATO membership to expedite the process. The goal is to finalize the deal before the end of Joe Biden's presidential term in January 2025, enabling deliveries to commence on schedule throughout 2025.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/tuerkiye-enhances-its-fleet-with-acquisition-of-former-british-air-force-hercules-c-4-aircraft

[Ace1]

Nu is mijn kennis over Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) missievliegtuigen heel beperkt.

Maar het valt mij op de er steeds viermotorige toestellen worden geselecteerd.

Het begon met de C-130E deze werden eind jaren 80 opgevolgd door de E-6B Mercury wat een gemodificeerde Boeing 707-300 toestel is.

En wordt er nu voor de C-130J gekozen, zelf had ik voor een gemodificeerde KC-46 gekozen, maar dat is dan heb je het over een tweemotorig toestel. De KC-46 is een gemodificeerde Boeing 767-200ER toestel.  Ik denk dat Boeing de order goed had kunnen gebruiken gezien de financiële problemen en de stakingen.

[Harald]

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2024/10/22/lockheed-martin-e-130j-gaat-e-6b-mercury-vervangen/

Lockheed Martin E-130J gaat E-6B vervangen

Het Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office en de Strategic Communications Wing 1 van de Amerikaanse marine hebben de naam bekendgemaakt voor het nieuwe Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) missievliegtuig van de Amerikaanse marine: E-130J.

De E-130J is de Mission Design Series (MDS) van het vliegtuig. De E staat voor speciale elektronische installatie; 130 is het ontwerpnummer en weerspiegelt de oorsprong van het vliegtuig als de EC-130; en J is de serie, die aantoont dat deze zal worden aangepast ten opzichte van de standaard C-130J-30 Super Hercules.

De E-130J – voorheen de E-XX genoemd – zal de zestien E-6B Mercuries van U.S. Navy gaan ontlasten van de TACAMO-missie. Deze missie verbindt de Amerikaanse president, de minister van Defensie en het Amerikaanse Strategische Commando met de nucleaire ballistische raketten van de marine.

De op de viermotorige Boeing 707 gebaseerde E-6B Mercury is sinds 1989 in Amerikaanse dienst. Met 22 bemanningsleden is het een communicatierelais en een strategische commandopostvliegtuig. De Mercury biedt vanuit de lucht nucleaire commando-, controle- en communicatiesystemen (NC3).

[silvester herc]

Ondanks dat de Portgese Luchtmacht hun eerst C-390 ontvangen hebben kreeg hun C-130H-30 een uitgebrijde update!
Portugal receives first modernised Hercules airlifter
https://janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/portugal-receives-first-modernised-hercules-airlifter

[Harald]

C-130 Floatplane Program Put 'On Pause' By Special Operations Command

The grand on again, off again plan for putting a special operations MC-130 on floats is not moving forward.



The U.S. military is pumping the brakes on a high-profile program that intended to convert an MC-130J special operations tanker/transport aircraft into a floatplane. U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has largely blamed budgetary pressures for this decision. At the same time, SOCOM is also actively exploring alternative ways of providing added air mobility, especially in a potential conflict in the Pacific region against China.

https://www.twz.com/air/c-130-float-plane-program-put-on-pause-by-special-operations-command

[Harald]

Australia announces acquisition of 20 new C-130Js

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, the Albanese Government of Australia has announced the purchase of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at a cost of $9.8 billion. The acquisition aims to modernize the Air Force's fleet, providing state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules to meet the nation's air transport needs for the future.

These new acquisitions will not only replace the current 12 Hercules aircraft operated by the Air Force but also expand the fleet's size. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected to commence from late 2027, ensuring the RAAF has access to advanced aircraft to carry out vital missions.

https://alert5.com/2023/07/24/australia-announces-acquisition-of-20-new-c-130js/

[Harald]

Marshall Aerospace unveils ARC-Radar, a sensor suite that transform a C-130J into a radar surveillance platform

Marshall Aerospace has launched the ARC-Radar, a modular sensor suite that can transform a tactical transport aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles using the Leonardo Osprey 30 radar.

The Marshall ARC-Radar is a role-fit palletised solution that requires no permanent integration or aircraft modifications, and utilises only existing aircraft power outlets. The system comprises a two-panel Leonardo Osprey 30 active electronically scanned array (AESA) surveillance radar, two modified paratroop doors containing a Marshall-designed and manufactured ultra-low-profile conformal radome, a rear pallet containing two articulated radar mounts and line-replaceable unit (LRU) rack, and a forward pallet containing a mission management console. The radar panel is inserted into the conformal radome on the modified door using the articulated mount on the rear pallet.

The unique selling point of Marshall ARC-Radar is its ability to expand the use of existing assets for multi-mission purposes, according to Ben Jakubowski, head of Marshall Aerospace?s Future Products team. The product can be fitted or removed in under four hours, providing minimal aircraft downtime, and fleet operators can alter the role of an aircraft on a day-to-day basis without being constrained to the availability of a single aircraft.

https://alert5.com/2023/04/03/marshall-aerospace-unveils-arc-radar-a-sensor-suite-that-transform-a-c-130j-into-a-radar-surveillance-platform/#more-97281

https://marshallaerospace.com/insights-news/marshall-aerospace-unveils-arc-radar-the-first-product-in-its-new-adaptable-role-fit-family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB13qLb7mxA

[Harald]

Northrop Grumman offers services for US Navy's E-XX TACAMO systems

According to a PR published by Northrop Grumman Corporation on March 15, 2023, the company is leveraging its weapons system integration and battle management leadership to compete for the U.S. Navy?s E-XX TACAMO fleet of aircraft systems.



The Navy?s E-XX TACAMO aircraft will be based on the C-130J platform, and provides connectivity between the National Command Authority and ballistic submarines capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

The Navy currently operates a fleet of E-6B Mercury aircraft to provide survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The Navy intends to replace the E-6B fleet with the E-XX to modernize this critical strategic deterrent mission.

For more than six decades, Northrop Grumman has delivered on the development, production, and modification of the Navy?s E-2 Hawkeye system as the prime contractor, and continues to provide total mission assurance with proven solutions that are secure, survivable, multi-layered systems designed for total weapon system security.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/march/12925-northrop-grumman-offers-its-services-for-us-navy-s-e-xx-tacamo-systems.html


An artist?s concept of the EC-130J TACAMO aircraft on the Lockheed Martin stand at the Navy League?s Sea-Air-Space Exposition

[silvester herc]