Boeing, Air Force Continue Testing C-130 AMP Aircraft

Boeing's [NYSE: BA] chief test pilot for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), and Tim Simoneau, a Boeing flight engineer, discuss the capabilities of the upgraded cockpit inside a C-130 AMP aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Boeing and the U.S. Air Force continue to conduct communication, navigation, radar and flight tests on two C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards. The C-130 AMP provides enhanced digital avionics, significantly increasing situational awareness for the warfighter. The AMP upgrade will also bring commonality to the Air Force C-130 fleet and offers flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type, while reducing training and logistics costs. The Air Force awarded Boeing the AMP contract in 2001. Boeing plans to begin Low Rate Initial Production next year.