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 Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (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, which includes AC/HC/MC-130J. The RDT&E activities in PE 0605278F currently include but are not limited to Block 7.0/8.1 and Communications Modernization. Block 7.0/8.1 leverages the baseline C-130J (PE0401132F) Block 7.0/8.1 upgrade, but funds unique AC/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 airspace standards. It also incorporates a new Flight Management System (FMS) that allows AC/HC/MC-130J aircraft to maintain hardware and software commonality with the C-130J Enterprise. The remaining capabilities 7.0/8.1 provides are Link-16, Civil GPS Navigation and Data Link, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder Mode-5, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) The USAF has also initiated the Communications Modernization program to comply with Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and VINSON/ANDVT Cryptographic Modernization (VACM) mandates, as well as deliver Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), and HF Modernization capabilities to resolve DMS issues. The Air Force decoupled IFF Mode 5 and ADS-B from the 7.0/8.1 program to accelerate fielding and address 2020 mandates. Additionally, The Air Force recently separated the HC-130J and MC-130J 7.0/8.1 programs to address MC-130J availability for other modifications. Due to technical inter-dependencies of the Communications Modernization program on some sub-systems delivered in the Block 7.0/8.1 program, AC/MC-130J 7.0/8.1 requirements will be addressed through both the Communications Modernization program and a future AC/MC-130J 7.0/8.x program. That is, some 7.0/8.1 requirements/subsystems must be accelerated for the new communications systems to function properly; those will now be executed under the Communications Modernization program. The later AC/MC Block 8.x program will then address the remaining requirements. HC/MC-130J Recap funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. 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 element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver HC/MC-130 Recap weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2021 $1.659 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2022 $4.067 million is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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, 2023
• Source ID: 0605278F_7_3600_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2021 funding was reduced by a total of $3.939 million which included a $3.375 million reprogramming action for higher Air Force priorities and $0.564 million for Small Business Innovation Research. The FY 2022 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2023 through FY 2026 funding. Therefore, an explanation of the change between the two budget positions for FY 2023 cannot be made in a relevant manner.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Artificial Satellites
• Data Links
• Emerging Threats
• Global Positioning Systems
• Identification
• Identification Systems
• Navigation
• Product Development
• Radio Equipment
• Satellite Constellations
• Sense And Avoid Systems
• Software Design
• Tanker Aircraft
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space