HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E

Abstract

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization ("Recap") produces and modifies HC/MC-130J aircraft to replace USAF's aging legacy Combat Rescue HC-130P/N and Special Operations MC-130E/P/H aircraft, which are experiencing airworthiness, maintainability and operations limitations. The Recap program incorporates production line modifications to the C-130J common/baseline configuration to convert them to the HC/MC model, and also funds post-production modifications to add special mission systems required for behind-enemy-line operations required of Combat Rescue and Special Operations aircraft. The RDT&E portion of the Recap program funds engineering support and studies to conduct rapid development activities, and develops major "block” upgrades to deliver specific increments of capability in common configurations across the fielded fleet. Currently, Block 7.0/8.1 leverages the baseline C-130J (PE 0401132F) Block 7.0/8.1 upgrade, but funds unique HC/MC-130J integration requirements. The Block 7.0/8.1 project will deliver Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) capabilities required for compliance with evolving international standards, thereby allowing HC/MC-130J aircraft to operate in international airspace. It also incorporates capabilities such as Link-16, a new Flight Management System (FMS), Civil GPS Navigation and Data Link, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder Mode-5, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out). To meet long-lead item requirements, procurement of some Block 7.0/8.1 kit items begins in FY21. In 2018 the USAF significantly revamped its HC/MC-130J Block 7.0/8.1. upgrade strategy. We de-scoped the MC-130J from the current Block 7.0/8.1 focus to allow the MC-130J to prioritize other (SOCOM-funded) modifications while allowing the USAF to move forward with Block 7.0/8.1 on the HC-130J. Block 8.X, which is now broken out as its own project, will then integrate SOCOM-funded AC/MC-130J capabilities with Block 7.0/8.1. Costs are based on an initial rough order of magnitude estimate and will be revised as the Block 8.X acquisition strategy matures. Both Block 7.0/8.1 and 8.X RDT&E projects include development, trial kit installs and Development and Operational Testing (DT/OT). FY2019 Plans: The HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 trial kit install effort occur. FY20 Plans: Funding for HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 trial kit install. In addition to the MC-130J de-scope, the USAF has also decoupled the IFF Mode 5 and ADS-B Out portions of Block 7.0/8.1, to accelerate those requirements and comply with 2020 mandates. The USAF also added a budget line to comply with a new Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) mandate; funding for that development begins in FY22, with production deliveries required by FY23. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver HC/MC-130J weapon system capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605826F, 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605830F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605898F, and 0605833F. The program may also include any Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME)/A&AS support deemed necessary to support the program objectives. The HC/MC RDT&E permits the initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as needed. As directed in the FY 2018 NDAA, Sec 825, amendment to PL 114-92 FY 2016 NDAA, Sec 828 Penalty for Cost Overruns, the FY 2018 Air Force penalty total is $14.373M. The calculated percentage reduction to each research, development, test and evaluation and procurement account will be allocated proportionally from all programs, projects, or activities under such account. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
0605278F_7_3600_PB_2020
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2018 was reduced by $7.795M. $5.6M was a Congressional mark for "Block 8 development ahead of need". $1.0M was reprogrammed for other priorities. $1.195M was a SBIR transfer. FY 2019 was reduced by $16.4M by a Congressional mark for "Block 8.1 program delays". FY 2020 was increased by $12.401M due to previous delays for Block 8.1 phasing. This increase is required to stay on schedule.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Overruns
  • Costs
  • Data Links
  • Emerging Threats
  • Employment
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Navigation
  • Procurement
  • Sense And Avoid Systems
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Weapon Systems

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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