The C-130 AMP was initiated to modernize, standardize and reduce total ownership costs for the United States Air Force C-130 fleet, including specialized versions in service with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It consolidates 13 Mission Design Series into one common core avionics suite with five mission families: One for Combat Delivery, which constitutes the majority of the C-130 fleet, and four for the unique Special Operations mission requirements.
The central element of Boeing's AMP configuration is Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management compliance, without which the C-130 fleet would be prohibited from certain worldwide air-navigation routes. An upgraded, common fleet offers dramatic life cycle cost benefits including greater reliability, simplified fleet-wide training, and a flexible architecture designed to reduce crew size and accommodate future technology insertion.
Boeing is expected to provide the AMP modifications and upgrades to 222 USAF C-130 transport aircraft.
The C-130 AMP
- Modern Digital Glass Cockpit featuring six 6x8 Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), pilot and co-pilot wide field of view Head Up Displays (HUDs), two Communication and Navigation Control Panels (CNCPs), and Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compliance
- Open System Architecture that is both modular and net ready. This permits reduction in crew size through elimination of the navigator, while allowing for the addition of future capabilities
- Performance Based Contractor Logistics Support that employs Integrated Vehicle Health Management; establishing a fleet-wide integrated training approach and implementing a common spares base. Boeing's support approach makes the C-130 fleet more available and more affordable to operate.
- Prepares the C-130 for another 30 years of service - Boeing's AMP ensures the affordable long-term combat relevance of today s C-130 fleet.
| Program Milestones | |
|---|---|
| Boeing awarded AMP contract | June 2001 |
| First preliminary design review | November 2003 |
| First critical design review | June 2004 |
| First aircraft received | January 2005 |
| First flight AMP 1 (H2) | September 2006 |
| Second aircraft received | April 2005 |
| First flight AMP 2 (H2.5) | March 2007 |
| Third aircraft received | November 2007 |
| Low Rate Initial Production | 2009 |