USCG orders new C-130J

Lockheed Martin has received a $61.3 million contract from the US Air Force (USAF) for the production of a C-130J long range surveillance aircraft for the US Coast Guard (USCG), it was announced on 22 April. The contract includes an option for the USCG to acquire up to three additional C-130J aircraft.

This is the 13th of the USCG’s planned 22 C-130Js. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in March 2019.

The coast guard has received seven Super Hercules aircraft to date. Five are operational HC-130Js, while one delivered aircraft has been designated as a Minotaur prototype. Under the Minotaur programme the coast guard is planning to implement a new standardised mission system - which includes the next-generation navy Minotaur mission control processor to incorporate the radar, sensors and other equipment - across the HC-130J fleet.

A further aircraft has entered the Minotaur programme; while aircraft 10-12 are under contract, with delivery of base configuration aircraft expected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Those aircraft, plus this latest C-130J order, will be missionized upon delivery with the Minotaur mission system by L-3 Communications.

The USCG deploys its Super Hercules fleet in a range of missions, including search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, cargo and personnel transport, and maritime stewardship. 

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