HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E

Abstract

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization provides a Medium lift tanker aircraft to replace and augment the aging USAF fleet of combat rescue HC-130P/N and special operations MC-130E/H/P/W aircraft for the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) forces, and Air Force Special Operation Forces, which are experiencing airworthiness, maintainability, and operations limitations. The HC/MC-130 Recap incorporates production line modifications to the C-130J common/baseline configuration to convert them to the HC/MC model. The program also funds post-production modifications to add special mission systems required for behind-enemy-line operations required of CSAR 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/AC/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). The HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) will occur to account for the removal of the MC-130J from the original baseline. HC Block 7.0/8.1 trial kit install (TKI) will begin. 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 new communication modernization to include Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), Crypto Modernization, and Saturn and High Frequency (HF) Radio Satellite Communications (SATCOM) mandate. 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 0605831F. The program may also include any Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME)/A&AS support deemed necessary to support the program objectives. The HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E permits the initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as needed. 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 0605278F_7_3600_PB_2021
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Air Traffic
• Aircrafts
• Artificial Satellites
• Contracts
• Data Links
• Emerging Threats
• Employment
• Global Positioning Systems
• Navigation
• Satellite Communications
• Sense And Avoid Systems
• Tanker Aircraft
• Test And Evaluation
• Warfare
• Weapon Systems

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Space