At least four US aerospace firms are expected to compete in the US Air Force's $4 billion C-130X avionics modernisation programme (AMP). Incumbent Lockheed Martin will be trying to keep the work away from Raytheon Systems, Boeing and the Austin, Texas-based unit of Marconi Electronic Systems (formerly Tracor).
The USAF wants two basic Hercules standards - the C-130X and C-130J (Flight International, 30 June-6 July). It operates a handful of C-130Js and could acquire 150 more. USAF leaders have budgeted for the modification of 360 C-130E/Hs and 150 special mission Hercules in fiscal years 2000-13, while a further 500 C-130s are candidates for the AMP, industry officials estimate.
A fast-track acquisition is planned, with the USAF issuing a draft request for proposals (RFP) on 2 August, a final RFP on 30 September and prime contractor selection on 30 March, 2000. Between 65 and 85 aircraft will be modified a year, providing the C-130 with a flight management system, inertial navigation system improvements and the latest global positioning system receivers.
Also included are multifunction flat panel displays, dual head-up displays, a new autopilot, a terrain awareness warning system (TAWS), a traffic-collision avoidance system, and global air transport management and other communications enhancements. Available avionics packages include offerings from Honeywell, Sextant and a joint Rockwell Collins/CAE suite. British Aerospace Systems and Equipment is offering its Terprom TAWS.
Lockheed Martin C-130 AMP team leader Ed Tenoso says the timetable can be met, although "it is very fast, a stretch even for Lockheed Martin. We feel we can do it because of our requisite knowledge of the C-130, C-130J and ongoing C-5 Galaxy AMP work." He says it would be "prudent" to have the same contractor working on both versions of the C-130, adding that Lockheed Martin can handle 100 aircraft modifications a year. "I like to think that we bring a lot of strengths and value to the programme," he adds.
Boeing says it will scrutinise the C-130X RFP before deciding on a bid. Raytheon's Gerald Iverson, vice-president for federal programmes at the aircraft integration systems unit, says Raytheon has assembled a team to win the contest. "We have the expertise and the capabilities. AMP is one of our major pursuits," he says.
Source: Flight International
