Singapore Technologies Aerospace has been confirmed as the main contractor for upgrades to Singapore's fleet of 10 Lockheed Martin C-130B/H transports, with Rockwell Collins selected to supply its avionics system for the aircraft.
Upgrades are planned for the autopilot, radar, cockpit displays, flight management systems and communications and navigation equipment, with these required to operate without restrictions in Europe and North America. They will provide the aircraft with a common avionics baseline, improve their reliability, and lower life cycle costs, says ST Aero.
Work started in the first quarter of 2007 and will last for seven years. The Republic of Singapore Air Force operates two C-130B and five C-130H transports, plus three KC-130B/H tankers, according to Flight's MiliCAS database
Rockwell Collins will provide an integrated avionics communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic solution. This will help the aircraft interface with weather radar, guidance systems, and flight and situational awareness displays, including electronic engine instrument displays, Collins says.
ST Aero is also to lead the modernisation of up to six C-130s for Indonesia's air force (Flight International, 12-18 September 2006). The company will also provide its Total Aviation Support programme for four years to Singapore's fleet of 16 McDonnell Douglas A/TA-4SU Skyhawks, used for advanced jet training in Cazaux, France. It will provide "maintenance, engineering and logistics support - covering flight line operations, aircraft, engines and component maintenance, engineering services, inventory and warehouse management."
Source: Flight International
