First Upgrade Delivery Of Enhanced Plane
The Coast Guard is working hard to try and update its equipment, and one of the biggest purchases so far is in its surveillance patrol aircraft. They have been looking for a long-range aircraft that can perform the missions needed.
They have settled on an updated version of the C-130, the HC-130J. Coast Guard Officials say that it will be a big improvement, as the new updated airframe has new senor capability and various tracking and detection ability. It will be better able to help with various threats and evolving issues in homeland security and maritime law enforcement.
The Coast Guard has used a previous version of the C-130, but the new version better meets mission needs. The Coast Guard contracted with Lockheed Martin to work on the new aircraft upgrades. New features include a nose electro optical infrared sensor, flight deck mission operator station, belly mounted surface search radar, and a communications system that is mission integrated.
“This new HC-130J is very well suited for different Coast Guard operations,†said Rich Lockwood. Mr. Lockwood is the Vice President of Coast Guard Systems, a division of Lockheed Martin. “Not only does it have the updated electronics and technology but it retains the full cargo capacity that the C-130 is legendary for,†said Lockwood.
The new HC-130J aircraft has a number of new features, including fuel savings, and extra fuel tanks which increase its range. The new aircraft will be delivered to the Coast Guard soon. The Coast Guard has purchased six of the new aircraft.
