C-130J Mods

C-130J Mods under the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget activity, aims to fund the modification and enhancement of in-service C-130J aircraft. The program includes the procurement and installation of various upgrades, such as avionics system and structural modifications, wind gust brake for reliability and maintainability, WST threat generators for capability improvement, communication modernization, low-cost modifications for safety, and the Block 8.1 upgrade. These enhancements are intended to maintain access to global airspace, enhance navigational accuracy and aircrew situational awareness, increase operational utility and effectiveness, and reduce systems/parts obsolescence. The funding also supports Rapid Global Mobility (RGM) platform-related activities including fielding actions. Additionally, the program addresses diminishing manufacturing sources and obsolescence solutions through non-recurring engineering efforts, studies, risk reduction activities, and Program Support Costs (PSC) activities.

The specific objectives of this budget line item include addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues by continuing the center wing box replacement program with the installation of enhanced service life (ESL) center wing kits and procurement of ESL kits. The program also aims to manage the fleet more effectively by combining Blocks 7.0 and 8.1 into one aircraft modification program to avoid simultaneously supporting three separate aircraft configurations. Furthermore, the funding request supports the procurement and installation of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) navigation safety improvements on USAF C-130J aircraft to enhance overall operational utility/effectiveness and reduce systems/parts obsolescence. The program also includes costs for related non-recurring engineering efforts, studies, risk reduction activities, Program Support Costs (PSC) activities, and Rapid Global Mobility (RGM) platform-related activities such as kit buys, installation, and support equipment.