Boeing Accepts First C-130 for Avionics Modernization
The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] marked the induction of the first U.S. Air Force C-130 into the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) in San Antonio, Texas today.
This aircraft will undergo a trial installation leading to the modernization of more than 500 U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps C-130 aircraft.
"After four years of hard work by our C-130 AMP team in Long Beach, Calif., St Louis, Mo., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla., the program is performing to plan and we're on track for first flight in early 2006," said Pat Finneran, vice president and general manager of Aerospace Support, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
The C-130 AMP program will standardize aircraft configurations with the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible digital glass cockpit and provide a reduction in total ownership costs for the U.S. Air Force. The new avionics system features digital displays and the proven flight management system from the 737 commercial airliner, both of which provide navigation, safety and communication improvements to meet global air traffic management (GATM) requirements. The GATM upgrade will facilitate the warfighter's ability to deploy the fleet world-wide.
Aircraft modifications will be performed by the company at its Boeing Aerospace Support Center in San Antonio, employing more than 200 people on the program at full production. Modifications also will be performed by the Air Force at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., and Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis , Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
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