TSAMTO, January 19. The first BTA C-130J Hercules aircraft of the Australian Air Force, upgraded to the Block 8.1 standard, landed at Richmond Air Base.
As reported by Airrecognition.com, the aircraft was upgraded in the USA by Lockheed Martin with the support of the US Air Force. The remaining 11 C-130J Hercules will be upgraded in Australia by Airbus Australia Pacific.
Modification of the C-130J Block 6.1 version to Block 8.1 provides for the installation of new hardware and software that will improve flight safety, including changes in navigation systems to ensure greater accuracy during landing.
The upgrade to the Block 8.1 configuration improves navigation and intercom systems, the "friend-foe" identification system and ensures the unification of aviation systems to improve compatibility. The modification will also allow the C-130J to meet the requirements of international air traffic control regulations.
Previously, the navigation system of the Block 6.1 version allowed only limited use of GPS or RNAV zonal navigation, which forced mainly the use of outdated ground systems. Thanks to the update, pilots can now fully use RNAV, which will allow them to fly on direct routes outside the range of navigation beacons.
As previously reported, 12 C-130J Hercules aircraft were delivered to the Australian Air Force between 1999 and 2001. They are part of the combat structure of the 37th Aviation Squadron of the Australian Air Force, stationed at the Richmond Air Base.
