The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has received it’s first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules upgraded to the Block 8.1 standard.
The airframe is believed to be 5601, the first Super Hercules originally received by the RNoAF in November 2008.
The RNoAF operates four Super Hercules in their fleet, delivered between 2008 and 2012.
Danya Trent, vice president of International Programs for the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin said the following on this:
“Norway’s C-130J-30 fleet is a national asset with tremendous regional reach and impact, supporting critical missions with NATO, European Union and global Super Hercules partners,”
Continuous Improvement
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Despite the base platform being nearly 70 years old, and the Super Hercules nearly 28 years old, the Block 8.1 upgrade demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment for keeping the platform relevant for decades to come.
The improvements bought by block 8.1 upgrades include:
- New flight management system that complies with CNS/ATM mandates, and includes vertical navigation with coupled auto throttle
- Civil GPS
- Ground power modes
- Updated Identification Friend or Foe
- CNS/ATM Data Link
- Enhanced inter-communication system
- Enhanced approach and landing systems
- Expanded diagnostics
- Improved PA system
- Additional covert lighting
- IAMSAR compliant search pattern programming
The C-130J Super Hercules Joint User Group (JUG) drives the block upgrades. Norway, as a member of this group, played a guiding role in the development of the Block 8.1 upgrade to tailor it to their missions.
Lockheed Martin will build all new Super Hercules aircraft to the Block 8.1 standard.
“As security demands increase, the Royal Norwegian Air Force C-130J-30 fleet must always be prepared to support any mission requirement. The Block 8.1 upgrade ensures the Norway’s Super Hercules fleet is mission-ready at any given time, delivering unprecedented reach, protection and connection.” Trent continued.
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