HC/MC-130 Recap

Abstract

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization will 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. The RDT&E portion of the Recap program funds three major thrusts to include but not limited to Continuous Improvement Program, HC Block 7.0/8.1, and Governmental Test. The HC-130J Recap RDT&E activity integrates Block 7.0/8.1 into a HC-130J, provides program capability updates, and integration with other HC-130J unique modifications. The HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 program follows the same "Block Upgrade" strategy being used in the C-130J program [PE 0401132F]. The USAF will be fielding the IFF Mode 5, ADS-B Out and Link-16 portions of Block 7.0/8.1 ahead of the remaining 38 aircraft in order to comply with the 2020 mandates. The Link 16 has been deferred due to funding shortages driven by the requirement to upgrade, but will be developed as a future spiral capability should additional funds become available. A follow-on stand-alone program will be established to address issues out of the Block 7.0/8.1 effort. This stand-alone effort will include two (2) Capability Management Upgrades, CMU-1C and CMU-2, that address discrepancies in the Block 7.0/8.1 program and the Communication/Navigation/Identification - System Processors [CNI-SP], and also address Link-16 integration; and are planned to be accomplished in conjunction with the Star XIII mission computer software upgrade effort. This program would also include HC-130J platform certification for the Link-16 terminal [BU3] and any other discrepancies/upgrades that come up at that time. The HC Block 7.0/8.1 Recap program is scheduled to complete development in 2023; however, the Direct Cite Authority [DCA] positions continue through the FYDP to support ACC program planning, and may be reallocated to future programs as they are established. 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, 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, $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2023 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 675006_0605278F_7_3600_PB_2024

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Defense Acquisition Program Management
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.