USCG awards Minotaur retrofit option
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has awarded a contract option worth around $3.6 million to L3 Technologies Integrated Systems Platform Integration Division for Minotaur missionisation of one HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft, the agency announced on 22 June.
This will be the last aircraft in the agency’s HC-130J fleet outfitted with the legacy mission system; all new aircraft are being outfitted with the Minotaur mission system upon delivery.
The aircraft, CGNR 2001, will undergo the integration process in early 2019, with delivery scheduled for late 2019.
Minotaur is a mission system architecture that incorporates sensors, radar and C4ISR equipment that enables aircrew to gather and process surveillance information for transmission to other platforms and units during flight. The USCG is integrating the mission system across most variants of its fixed-wing aircraft.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
