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
-
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
-
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.