Boeing announced Monday that the first C-130H aircraft slated to receive new avionics at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., has been inducted there for the modifications. This is the first of 20 C-130s that will receive new cockpit displays and communications and navigation gear during the low-rate initial production phase of the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program. Boeing developed the AMP upgrade kits for the Air Force. “Our team has been trained by Boeing, and we are excited to get the first of many aircraft through our line and upgraded,” said Tommy Jackson, USAF’s C-130 AMP deputy program manager. Air Force workers at Warner Robins will install the new avionics in 10 of the 20 C-130s. Boeing will do another five, starting in early 2012. A competitively selected third party will upgrade the remaining aircraft. Overall, the Air Force intends to upgrade 221 C-130Hs under AMP.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.