USCG receives tenth C-130J Super Hercules
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has accepted delivery of its tenth C-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Greenville, South Carolina, facility, the USCG announced on 3 March.
The aircraft has since been delivered in its baseline configuration to the L3 Technologies Integrated Systems Platform Integration Division to undergo installation of the Minotaur mission system suite. The suite includes new radar, sensor and communications systems, after which the aircraft are re-designated as HC-130J.
Of the nine HC-130Js delivered, six are operating with the legacy mission system out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. One is serving as the Minotaur mission system suite prototype and has undergone in-flight testing of the system, and a further two have entered the Minotaur mission system suite modification programme.
The 11th C-130J is under production at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility, while the 12th and 13th C-130Js are under contract, with delivery of one base configuration aircraft expected in 2018 and two in 2019.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market]()
Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market
Poland is reshaping its naval capabilities through investments in surface and undersea fleets, with further procurement opportunities expected into the 2030s.
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
