USCG transfers third HC-130J to Kodiak
The US Coast Guard transferred an HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft to Air Station Kodiak, Alaska at the end of March 2019.
The aircraft, CGNR-2010, is the third of five HC-130Js that will be stationed at Kodiak.
The HC-130J features more advanced engines and propellers, providing a 20% increase in speed and altitude and a 40% increase in range over the HC-130H model aircraft. The HC-130J is equipped with an updated liquid oxygen system that will allow the crew to fly at higher altitudes; and its Minotaur mission system suite will provide increased capabilities for sensors, radar and intelligence-gathering equipment.
These improvements will give the coast guard better response times, extending time on scene for searches, law enforcement patrols, and increasing effectiveness and versatility in Alaska’s challenging weather and terrain.
Two additional HC-130Js are scheduled to arrive at Kodiak in 2019. The five HC-130Js will complement Kodiak’s current fleet of six MH-60s and four MH-65s. As HC-130J deployments continue, the remaining three HC-130Hs will be removed. Those outgoing aircraft will support HC-130H long range surveillance operations at other air stations or be disposed of once all usable parts are salvaged to support the remaining HC-130H and HC-130J fleet.
More from Naval Warfare
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
Royal Navy to receive DragonFire laser system
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) made the decision to accelerate the laser programme from the demonstrational stage to an operational laser weapon.
-
Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought SSBNs to be equipped with OSI’s ECPINS
The contracts between OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) and BAE Systems Submarines will encompass continued support for the Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) and the future Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN).