Airbus Completes Block Upgrades of 12 Australian C-130J Aircraft

Airbus has completed Block 8.1 upgrades on a dozen Australian C-130J Hercules aircraft, with final operational capability declared on December 17.

The aircraft are operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. The work was delivered under Project AIR 5440 and brings aircraft systems, safety-critical software, and hardware to the latest Block standard.

The upgrades include changes to communications and navigation systems, adding datalink, integrated satellite voice, new high-frequency radios, and improved instrument approach capability.

The first aircraft was upgraded by Lockheed Martin in the U.S. with support from the U.S. Air Force. The remaining 11 aircraft were modified at RAAF Base Richmond by Airbus Australia Pacific, the C-130J sustainment partner.

The C-130J Full Flight Simulator was also upgraded, with system modifications completed by CAE Australia.

Introduced into Australian service in 1999, the C-130J can carry around 120 passengers or up to 20 tonnes of cargo. It provides medium air mobility for the Australian Defence Force between the C-27J Spartan and the C-17A Globemaster III.

The Block 8.1 configuration is intended to keep the fleet in service until deliveries of Australia’s expanded replacement fleet of 20 new C-130J aircraft begin later this decade.