HC-130J Modernization

Abstract

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization replaces 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 operational imitations. The RDT&E portions of the Recap program are the primary effort to modernize CSAR capabilities on the HC-130J platform to keep the aircraft viable against emerging threats. The HC-130J Modernization Programs fund the program lifecycle from development to installation in three major thrust areas to include but not limited to Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), Development, and Government Test. RDT&E permits the initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as needed. CIP includes recurring software and hardware enhancements to address evolving requirements for Special Operations Forces and Personnel Recovery missions. These enhancements will be incorporated in both production and fielded aircraft. These enhancements will include, but are not limited to, parallel operational flight program [OFP] updates, integration and certification for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Materiel Solutions [DMSMS], and other development activities as needed to keep the HC-130J programs effective against emerging threats. This 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 HC-130J Modernization Development program funds engineering support and development activities necessary to deliver specific capabilities; these activities include but are not limited to Block 7.0/8.1 and Defensive System Suite upgrades. The HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 upgrade follows the same "Block Upgrade" strategy being used in the C-130J program [PEC 0401132F]. 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. Link 16 was originally part of this strategy but was deferred due to funding shortages; Link 16 will be developed as a future spiral capability should additional funds become available. These upgrades will include, but are not limited to, two (2) Capability Management Upgrades to address discrepancies in the Block 7.0/8.1 program and the Communication/Navigation/Identification - System Processors [CNI-SP], address Link-16 integration; and are planned to be accomplished in conjunction with the Star XIII mission computer software upgrade effort. This program would include HC-130J platform certification for the Link-16 terminal and support upgrades to resolve deficiency reports and meet mission requirements/mandates to maintain the fleet. The HC-130J Defensive System Suites upgrade integrates and/or upgrades survivability systems into the HC-130J architecture, to include studies, analysis, testing, and integration of candidate systems. HC-130J Modernization Government Test thrust area funding supports associated aircraft costs for testing purposes to include, but not limited to, 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. This program element may include necessary Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME)/A&AS support and civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver HC-130J modernization weapon system capabilities. Currently, HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 program has allocated Direct Cite Authority positions. These allocated positions will continue through the FYDP to support ACC program planning and may be reallocated to future programs as they are established. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, and 0606398F. In FY 2023 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2024 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 675278_0605278F_7_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

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