Collins Aerospace to support L3Harris in bringing new capabilities to the cockpit of 176 C-130H aircraft for the USAF

Cedar Rapids, Iowa August 28, 2019 Photo(s): By Collins Aerospace
  • 1970s era aircraft to be updated with Flight 2 Avionics
  • Will support extension of life of the aircraft by 20 years
  • Provides pilots increased situational awareness and reduces workload
Collins Aerospace growing our position as a global leader in C-130 modifications! Once on contract, and will be supporting L3Harris Technologies to equip 176 US Air Force's C-130H with our Flight2 avionics.

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., has been selected by L3Harris Technologies to play a key role in the US Air Force's C-130H Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2 (AMP INC 2) program. The fleet of 176 C-130H aircraft, operated by the Air National Guard and US Air Force Reserve, will be equipped with Collins Aerospace's Flight2™ integration avionics system and will expand the company's position as a global leader in C-130 modifications.

Once on contract, Collins Aerospace's Flight2 avionics will replace over 100 analog instruments in the current cockpit with seven multifunctional displays (MFD), three control display units (CDU), and a new digital autopilot. These new systems will reduce workload, improve the pilots' situational awareness, and improve the safety and reliability of the aircraft. The new displays also make it easier for the pilots to overlay flight plans, see nearby points-of-interest and view radar and threat information.

"Prior to our selection for the AMP INC 2 program, 190 C-130 aircraft have already been modified, or are on contract to be modified, with our proven Flight2™ avionics. Our history of successful installations played a big role in our selection," said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace. "These aircraft are important to national security, and by working with L3Harris, our integrated avionics system will support the extension of the life of the planes for another 20 years."

The avionics contract adds to the suite of nose-to-tail solutions that Collins Aerospace provides for the C-130 aircraft. Other products include propellers, wheels, brakes, secure communications, Head-up Displays/Enhanced Vision Systems (HUD/EVS) and advanced cargo loading systems.