Boeing Upgrades, Powers Up 3rd C-130 for Avionics Modernization Program

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has successfully completed Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) upgrades on C-130 aircraft AMP 3 (H3). The aircraft moved into ground test and evaluation at Boeing's Global Services & Support facility in San Antonio on Sept. 26. AMP 3 reached its "power up" milestone on Oct. 1, when Boeing employees turned on the aircraft's electrical systems.

During the 10-month installation, AMP 3 received a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital glass cockpit and a new digital avionics system, increasing situational awareness for the warfighter.

"Power up is always an important milestone. Achieving it now keeps us on a trajectory to reach first flight on schedule," said Boeing C-130 AMP Program Manager Mark Angelo. AMP 3's first flight is scheduled for February 2009.

The company signed a contract with the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 30 for the first two Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) AMP kits. Boeing plans to provide a total of 26 kits, engineering services, training and logistics support during LRIP. The company also will install production kits on 11 of the C-130 aircraft.

Boeing is completing the aircraft modification and installation of Core Complete 2.2 (CC2.2) software on AMP 1 (H2) at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. CC2.2 is part of all AMP upgrades.