Australia receives first upgraded C-130J
The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed back its first upgraded C-130J transport aircraft. (RAAF)
Australia is upgrading its C-130J fleet and has prepared the way for a future P-8A upgrade, but the RAAF is struggling with its much-delayed C-27J programme.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) announced that, in December, its first upgraded C-130J-30 Hercules arrived back at RAAF Base Richmond in Australia from the US.
The aircraft was modernised from Block 6.1 to Block 8.1configuration by Lockheed Martin, with assistance from the USAF.
The primary modifications are new hardware and software that improve safety. This includes the navigation system, which will ‘ensure greater accuracy during landing approaches,’ according to the RAAF.
The remaining 11 C-130Js in the Australian inventory will be upgraded on home soil by Airbus Australia Pacific.
Australia is contemplating obtaining additional Hercules aircraft too as it
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Doodle Labs expands use of its radios on UAV systems]()
Doodle Labs expands use of its radios on UAV systems
Mesh Rider is a SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) optimised mesh radio designed for uncrewed systems and supports six frequency bands in a single transceiver and AES-256 encryption. It was developed in cooperation with the US Defense Innovation Unit.
-
![NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander]()
NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander
NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.
-
![NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet]()
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.
