USCG releases RFI for MSS+ programme
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has released a request for information for installation of the Minotaur mission system suite (MSS+) and a block upgrade for its HC-130J aircraft, the USCG announced on 10 September.
The HC-130J block upgrade 8.1 retrofit programme will increase overall HC-130J weapon system operational effectiveness; enhance aircraft navigational accuracy and aircrew situational awareness; reduce HC-130J systems and parts obsolescence; and ensure continued access to global airspace via aviation mandate compliance.
Minotaur is a government-owned and government–operated mission system architecture that integrates imagery and data from multiple aircraft sensor streams, allowing operators to track targets and transmit information to other platforms and units.
The USCG plans to modify seven baseline aircraft with MSS+ and the block upgrade, as well as implementing the upgrade on up to 15 missionised aircraft.The USCG currently has 15 HC-130J aircraft in either operational use or active production.
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