C-130 Airlift Squadron

The C-130 Airlift Squadron falls under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity. The specific goal of this program is to upgrade the C-130H fleet with comprehensive avionics and cockpit modernization to replace aging equipment and enhance combat capabilities. This includes digital avionics upgrades, cockpit modernization, and addressing obsolescence and Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) issues. The program also aims to develop and field a new/upgraded formation flight system to C-130H AMP Inc 2 configured aircraft in order to meet the American Mid-Band Initiative. Additionally, the program includes Rapid Global Mobility (RGM) platform-related activities such as prototyping, capability development, planning analysis, and systems engineering activities.

The objectives of Program PE 0401115F include executing the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase activities in FY 2023 and FY 2024. These activities primarily involve software development, design, integration, operational testing, technical order development validation and verification, Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) development, type 1 training, and other efforts required to fulfill program requirements. The program also plans to conduct effectiveness and viability tests on two infrared suppression systems in FY 2023. Additionally, the funding increase for FY 2024 is attributed to delays in program flight testing and updates to support systems due to the program being rebaselined. Milestone C for this program is now planned for September 2024.