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 and AC-130H/U/W aircraft for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Air Force Special Operation Forces, which are experiencing airworthiness, maintainability, and operations limitations. HC/MC-130 Recap incorporates production line modifications to the C-130J production aircraft to convert them to an HC/MC model, providing a common baseline configuration aircraft. 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 HC-130J aircraft provides combat search and rescue infiltration and exfiltration including aerial refueling of aircraft in combat search and rescue operations as well as acting as an airborne command post during rescue operations. The MC-130J can provide specialized mobility capability to position, supply, re-supply and recover specialized ground tactical units. The AC-130J is an MC-130J that has been highly modified to provide close air support and armed reconnaissance. 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 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 Phase I and Phase II. Block 7.0/8.1 leverages the baseline C-130J (PEC 0401132F) Block 7.0/8.1 upgrade, but funds unique AC/HC/MC-130J configuration 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 Block 7.0/8.1 program to accelerate fielding to address DoD mandates. Additionally, in 2018 the USAF significantly revamped its HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1. upgrade strategy, de-scoping the MC-130J from the current Block 7.0/8.1 program to allow the MC-130J to prioritize other (SOCOM- funded) modifications while allowing Air Combat Command (ACC) to move forward with Block 7.0/8.1 on the HC-130J. The majority of the AC/MC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 requirements, including meeting the DoD MUOS and VACM mandates, will be addressed through the Communications Modernization program. The remaining capabilities will be addressed at a future date. 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. It also covers integration and certification for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Materiel Solutions (DMSMS) and other development activities under the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) as needed to keep the AC/HC/MC programs effective against emerging threats. This development funding covers associated aircraft costs for testing purposes to include but not limited field level maintenance such as day-to-day launch, recovery, inspection, servicing, and removal and replacement of LRUs within the capabilities and qualifications of its maintenance team, support equipment needed to support flight test, maintenance repair team support during the transfer ferry sortie if the aircraft diverts and all test related aircraft flying hour costs. 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 2022, $1.135 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in 2023 $4.075 million is forecast 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, 2024
• Source ID: 0605278F_7_3600_PB_2024
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2022 funding decreased by total of $3.701 million for $1.701 million Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) and $2.000 million reprogramming to support higher Air Force priorities. FY 2024 funding increased by $23.676 million due to a re-phase of Communication Modification Phase II efforts. NOTE: FY 2023 funding increase of $4.946 million for $5.000 million FY 2023 Congressional Add and a decrease for $0.054 million for Federally Funded Research Development Centers.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Kinetic Weapons
• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Artificial Satellites
• Computer Programs
• Data Links
• Emerging Threats
• Engineering
• Global Positioning Systems
• Identification
• Identification Systems
• Maintenance
• Navigation
• Product Development
• Radio Equipment
• Tanker Aircraft
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Space