LRS: Project Description
When the modernization and recapitalization project is complete, the LRS fleet will include a total of 22 aircraft: six new, fully missionized HC-130Js, and 16 HC-130Hs with upgraded radar and avionics.
Missionization of HC-130Js
The C-130J aircraft is staged and prepped to begin
missionization modifications. (Photo courtesy of
Integrated Coast Guard Systems and Coast Guard
Lt. Tony Ennamorato)
In response to declining readiness and availability rates in the Coast Guard's aging HC-130H fleet, Congress provided funding in fiscal year 2001 to acquire six HC-130J aircraft. The missionization of the six aircraft was assigned to the Deepwater Program to ensure integration and interoperability with all new and existing aviation assets, including its legacy fleet of C-130H aircraft. In addition to its more-capable systems, the missionized HC-130J will provide improved mission capability with improved fuel efficiency, higher availability, and greater range and endurance.
Commonality with the Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft
Modifications to the HC- 130J will result in approximately 90 percent commonality in C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems planned for the Coast Guard’s HC-144A maritime patrol aircraft. Sensors shared by both aircraft will include the electro-optical/infrared- FLIR Systems Star Safire III, DF- 430 UHF/VHF Direction Finder System, and SAAB Transponder Tech AB R4A Airborne Automatic Identification System (AIS). The HC-130J’s radar systems will feature the proven multimode EDO EL/M 2022A(V)3 maritime surface search radar, mounted beneath the plane’s fuselage, and a nose-mounted APN- 241 weather radar.
Missionization
The first aircraft was inducted at the Lockheed Martin Greenville, SC facility in late December 2006 and underwent extensive modifications including installation of a belly-mounted surface search radar, nose-mounted electro-optical infrared sensor and a flight deck mission operator station. All six aircraft are scheduled to be completed by Fall 2008.
Upgrading HC-130Hs
The Coast Guard is improving the material condition and capability of 16 legacy HC-130H aircraft. Prototype new radar (SELEX) is being installed at AR&SC in Elizabeth City, N.C. The new radar is more reliable and capable than the legacy system. The aircraft will also receive new DF-430 direction-finding radio equipment. The new direction finder will use the international standard 406MHz distress beacon technology. Later modernization projects will include upgrades to the aircraft obsolete avionics and cockpit display suites as well as structural enhancements to extend the operational lives of the aircraft.