USCG receives HC-130J with MSS+

L3 Technologies has delivered the first production HC-130J aircraft integrated with the next-generation Minotaur Mission System Suite (MSS+) to the US Coast Guard (USCG), the company announced on 31 January.

Developed jointly by the USCG and the US Navy, the government-furnished MSS+ is expected to improve the USCG’s long-range surveillance capabilities.

L-3’s work included integration and testing of the aircraft under a five-year contract. The company will now perform full system integration on two additional baseline configuration aircraft and will retrofit four HC-130J aircraft. The contract also includes the option of missionising five additional aircraft.

Christopher Kubasik, chief executive officer and president, L3, said: ‘Developing and delivering world-class innovative ISR systems is what we do best. It is a key market that we continue to pursue as part of our overall strategy to help our customers achieve their goals.

‘This important HC-130J modification capability adds to our robust portfolio of work for the USCG with industry-leading C-130 expertise and integration experience to meet the rigors of its challenging and often dangerous missions.’

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HC-130H/J