Part Of Avionics Modernization Program
The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base,
together with the Boeing Company, currently are conducting
communication, navigation, radar and air data testing on two C-130
Hercules aircraft here as part of the Avionics Modernization
Program, or AMP. The AMP upgrade includes replacement of the
aircraft's 1960s-era instruments and indicators with a modernized
glass cockpit consisting of flat panel displays, heads up displays
and upgraded communication and navigation systems.
"As far as technology goes, the legacy aircraft's cockpit is
lagging behind modern technology," said Capt. Grant Mizell, 418th
Flight Test Squadron C-130 pilot. "The AMP modification is the
first comprehensive project that allows the C-130 to take all these
modernization benefits."
Since the modification to the cockpits are significant to the
aircraft, the radar and air data testing will test the basic
fundamental skills of the gauges, such as checking for proper
readings of altitudes and locations, said Kristen Pearson, 412th
Test Support Squadron AMP program manager.
"The C-130 is also testing the (heads up display)," Ms. Pearson
said. "The HUD has so many benefits like improving a pilot's
situational awareness and improving information accuracy. All the
things that were once mechanically driven are now running through a
computer. When something goes out of limits, the computer can tell
you all about it."
Edwards AFB currently is transforming two C-130s -- a 1989 and a
1991 model. One of the primary reasons for the C-130 cockpit
modernization is to cope with air traffic management standards set
by Europe, as it will begin using Global Air Traffic Management in
two years.
"As skies get more crowded, we find the need to fit more
aircraft into smaller spaces," Captain Mizell said. "Old '70s era
instruments like the ones in the legacy C-130 are not as accurate
as the more modern equipment, therefore a larger safety bubble is
required around the airplane. You might think that it's a big sky
out there, but we are being challenged to fit more iron into
crowded airspace."
The modification inside the aircraft will now allow more
accurate readings of locations and enable the aircraft to navigate
through tighter spaces. The final testing for the aircraft will be
the integrated systems evaluations to see if the aircraft can
complete any given mission when tasked.
"We are doing integrated testing evaluations to see if the
aircraft is capable of accomplishing tasks required by combat
crews," Captain Mizell said. "If we were told to go to Iraq or
Afghanistan and asked to put 60 troops on target, could the C-130
AMP aircraft get the job done? This test will also show if all the
right tools have been brought together in the best manner, for the
ever expanding mission of the C-130."
Developmental testing of the C-130 AMP is scheduled to end in
September 2009 and the first C-130 AMP aircraft is scheduled to be
delivered to the Arkansas National Guard in 2010 to be used as the
primary training site for pilots.
"With a few more changes, this aircraft is going to be a fine
piece of equipment," Captain Mizell said. "The modernization will
make this plane a better aircraft for future military
operations."