C-130 Upgrade
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DATE:13/06/06
SOURCE:Flight International
ST Aero lands C-130 avionics deal
By Brendan Sobie in Singapore
Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) has been appointed prime contractor for a revived project to upgrade the avionics on 10 Lockheed Martin C-130B/H Hercules transports for SingaporeÂ’s air force, according to industry sources. To be responsible for selecting equipment, subject to air force approval, and integrating the new suite, the company is now seeking bids from several vendors for equipment and integration-related services.
ST Aero declines to comment, but industry sources say several foreign companies received within the last few weeks requests for pricing on a specific list of equipment and services on a non-competitive basis. Several avionics manufacturers have been asked to bid on autopilots, displays, flight management systems, radars, radios and navigation equipment, while Lockheed has been requested to provide technical assistance and drawings. Additional companies that have experience with integrating new avionics suites on C-130s are also being asked to provide quotes.
Sources say ST Aero wanted companies to bid on similar packages in 2001 before Singapore put its planned C-130 avionics upgrade programme on hold due to budget constraints and changed priorities. Singapore has now set aside funds in its fiscal year 2006-7 budget to relaunch the programme. A contract should be in place by 31 March 2007. Work on the first aircraft should begin next year, with the project expected to take about four years to complete.
Singapore operates two C-130B and five C-130H transports and three KC-130B/H tankers, according to FlightÂ’s MiliCAS database. The aircraft require new avionics to operate without restrictions in Europe and North America. ST Aero has long sought to enter the C-130 avionics upgrade market and is expected to pursue export sales once the new configuration has been defined. -
I hope RSAF consider upgrading of some C-130 to AC-130 , converting it into most fearsome gunships..
I hope to see AC-130 circling around , firing miniguns and howitzer at enemy positions.. -
the dream is impossible atm........Originally posted by fkh:I hope RSAF consider upgrading of some C-130 to AC-130 , converting it into most fearsome gunships..
I hope to see AC-130 circling around , firing miniguns and howitzer at enemy positions.. -
You talking in your dream la. AC-130 in Spore? Fat hope. Anyway the longbow apache gun is frightening enough liao.Originally posted by fkh:I hope RSAF consider upgrading of some C-130 to AC-130 , converting it into most fearsome gunships..
I hope to see AC-130 circling around , firing miniguns and howitzer at enemy positions.. -
Like the Workers' Party headquarters on Syed Alwi Road?Originally posted by fkh:I hope RSAF consider upgrading of some C-130 to AC-130 , converting it into most fearsome gunships..
I hope to see AC-130 circling around , firing miniguns and howitzer at enemy positions..
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Originally posted by Meia Gisborn:Like the Workers' Party headquarters on Syed Alwi Road?
Cannot lah, the AC-130 will also blow the surrounding areas up! -
AC-130 would become a flying coffin in our area of ops. a couple of troopers with a SAM could easily take it down
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Bingo beavan! You can't be any more right!
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Aff,i totally agree
