USCG orders 14th C-130J aircraft
Lockheed Martin has received a contract option worth approximately $63.5 million from the US Air Force for the production of a C-130J Super Hercules to be configured as a long range surveillance aircraft for the US Coast Guard (USCG), it was announced on 15 September.
This will be the 14th of the USCG’s planned 22 C-130Js. The aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in April 2020.
This award is part of a multi-year procurement contract that includes an option for the USCG to acquire a 15th C-130J.
The USCG has received ten C-130J aircraft to date. Four HC-130Js are operating out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and are equipped with legacy mission system suite capabilities that will be upgraded to the Minotaur mission system suite.
A fifth aircraft, the HC-130J Minotaur prototype, was delivered to the air station in June.
Production of 11-13 is currently ongoing, with delivery of base configuration aircraft expected in 2018 and 2019, before they enter the Minotaur integration process.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.