USCG completes flight test of upgraded HC-130H aircraft

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has successfully flight tested Lockheed Martin-built HC-130H aircraft, following the completion of cockpit and avionics upgrade programme.

The aircraft has been installed with Rockwell Collins-built advanced avionics upgrade under the Coast Guard’s Avionics 1 upgrade programme.

Upgrades to the aircraft includes integration of four multi-function displays, a new digital autopilot, and a communications, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) equipment suite.

The Coast Guard’s HC-130H fleet has also been upgraded with new multiscan hazard detection weather radar situational awareness earlier by Rockwell Collins.

Rockwell Collins Airborne Solutions vice president and general manager Troy Brunk said, "We’re continuing to add to our track record as the leading provider of cost-effective C-130 avionics upgrades, having completed more than 125 C-130 upgrades worldwide over the last decade."

The upgrades will enable the Coast Guard to operate the HC-130H for the next 10 to 15 years, while reducing pilot workload and improving situational awareness through enhanced CNS/ATM flight management capability.

Additional upgrades to the aircraft include implementation of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), required navigation performance area navigation (RNP RNAV) functions with digital takeoff and landing data computations as well as providing key search and rescue patterns.

The aircraft has also been equipped with fully integrated Class III electronic flight bag with digital map overlays on the cockpits new 6-inch by 8-inch multi-function displays.