USCG receives HC-130J with MSS+
L3 Technologies has delivered the first production HC-130J aircraft integrated with the next-generation Minotaur Mission System Suite (MSS+) to the US Coast Guard (USCG), the company announced on 31 January.
Developed jointly by the USCG and the US Navy, the government-furnished MSS+ is expected to improve the USCG’s long-range surveillance capabilities.
L-3's work included integration and testing of the aircraft under a five-year contract. The company will now perform full system integration on two additional baseline configuration aircraft and will retrofit four HC-130J aircraft. The contract also includes the option of missionising five additional aircraft.
Christopher Kubasik, chief executive officer and president, L3, said: ‘Developing and delivering world-class innovative ISR systems is what we do best. It is a key market that we continue to pursue as part of our overall strategy to help our customers achieve their goals.
‘This important HC-130J modification capability adds to our robust portfolio of work for the USCG with industry-leading C-130 expertise and integration experience to meet the rigors of its challenging and often dangerous missions.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.