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
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
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
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Air Warfare
-
![Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats]()
Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
The current Australian government is promising to accelerate development of the Loyal Wingman project for the RAAF.
-
![US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft]()
US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft
The latest F-35 contract modification for Lockheed Martin follows a deal covering ‘ancillary mission equipment requirements’ for Lot 15 and Lot 16 aircraft.
-
![BrahMos missile gets into ER mode]()
BrahMos missile gets into ER mode
India continues to develop its BrahMos missile, with the extended-range type recently tested.
-
![Indian Army explores quadcopters for surveillance]()
Indian Army explores quadcopters for surveillance
India has set in motion yet another tender process to buy UAVs, this time quadcopters able to fly at altitude.
