C-130J Minotaur options exercised
L3 Technologies Integrated Systems has had two contract options exercised by the US Coast Guard (USCG) for installation of the Minotaur mission system suite on two HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft, the USCG announced on 12 January.
Minotaur is being used on various platforms across the US Department of Defence and Homeland Security. Installation of the Minotaur system involves modifying the aircraft to incorporate the radar, sensors and C4ISTAR equipment that enable aircrew to collect and process surveillance information for transmission to shore and surface operators.
This work covers missionisation of CGNRs 2012 and 2013, which are currently in baseline production at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.
The Minotaur system is installed on three HC-130Js; these three aircraft are among the seven HC-130Js operating out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The other four aircraft are operating with the legacy mission system.
Four additional aircraft are undergoing missionisation at Waco, of which two are receiving retrofits and the other two entered the process from their baseline configuration.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
