The Air Force’s avionics modernization program for its C-130 Hercules fleet has faced technical difficulties and rising costs. However, according to Rebecca Christie of Dow Jones Newswires, the service blames the problems on “more ambitious requirements” and does not fault design and development contractor Boeing. The service plans to hold another competition to cover AMP installation for the majority of the C-130s to be upgraded, since the original deal with Boeing fell victim to the Darleen Druyun affair. The number to be upgraded is still in flux, since the Air Force probably will not revamp its oldest Hercules, the C-130E models.
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.

