Boeing C-130 AMP prepares for USAS test & evaluation

The Boeing C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) is making final preparations for five aircraft to enter the US Air Force Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) program in early 2012.

"Once evaluation is complete in late 2012, we will have a fully tested and proven weapon system that will offer more situational awareness for aircrews, increasing flight safety during their many mission types," said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP program director for Boeing.

Three AMP aircraft have been in scheduled programmed depot maintenance at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., over the past year. Two of these aircraft received final software and hardware upgrades at Boeing's Flight Test Operations facility in Palmdale, bringing them up to production configuration. The first of these was delivered to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., on April 23, and the second was delivered on May 16. The third aircraft is receiving final upgrades at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. It will be delivered to Little Rock in July.

The first two low-rate initial production C-130 AMP aircraft were inducted at Warner Robins in August 2010. These aircraft will be completed in late 2011 and early 2012 and then will join the three other aircraft in the IOT&E program at Little Rock Air Force Base.

"The Little Rock 'schoolhouse' for C-130 AMP is now training flight crews," said Lt. Col. Kevin Tebbutt, Chief of Operations and Training, 189th Operations Group. "Our crewmembers are currently in the academic and simulator phase of training. The initial cadre of AMP instructors is flying the AMP aircraft we have on the ramp to prepare for the students that will start their flight line training in June."

Source: Boeing