Boeing C-130 Avionics Upgrade

[mpenguin1]

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q1/nr_050321m.html

The C-130 AMP program will standardize aircraft configurations with the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible digital glass cockpit and provide a reduction in total ownership costs for the U.S. 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 GATM upgrade will allow the fleet to be deployed world-wide.

 

[Screaming_Emu]

sounds like a smart move, every C-130 cockpit I've seen (in real life or pictures) always seems to have stuff in different places.

 

[Visceral]

Many of the C-130s have fatigue cracks in the wing boxes, and that is severely affecting the entire fleet. I think the avionics upgrade will have to be pushed to the back burner. In any event, I think this avionics upgrade is just another opportunity by a defense contractor to milk more money out of the DoD teat.

 

[dgRoot]

Only the E models are affected by the wing cracks. Most of the E models are now on limited flying status. These were old airplanes and do appear to have everything somewhat scattered around the cockpit. Some of the airplanes still flying were made in the early 60s.

The H models are still very reliable airplanes and might see some of these upgrades. Especially the special operations airplanes.