combat aircraft

This image: A new

block upgrade will

bring a range of

new capabilities

for the KC-130J,

not least

self-protection

enhancements.

Below: A section

of ‘Otis’ KC-130Js

low over the

Atlantic Ocean,

off the coast of

North Carolina.

everyone wants a piece of us but often

there are not enough of us to go around,’

says Casey.

‘The best part of  ying the KC-130J

is that we are the Ford F-150 of Marine

aviation,’ he adds. ‘The question is: can the

C-130 do it? If it doesn’t involve hovering

or landing vertically than the answer is

probably yes. You name it and we do it.’

In order to maintain relevance,

marine KC-130Js are being upgraded.

‘We are getting ready to do a Block 8.1

upgrade that will increase the aircraft’s

communications and navigation

capabilities,’ Casey details. ‘We will also be

upgrading the defensive systems. It will be

enough of a change that we will have to

update the simulators quite a bit.’

The upgrade enhances the GPS

capabilities and communications

systems, updates friend-or-foe

identi cation, and brings the KC-130J

into line with worldwide air tra c

management regulations.

Harvest HAWK Plus

Another upcoming enhancement will give

the aircraft a better refueling capability

while retaining its ground attack attributes

under the Harvest Hercules Airborne

http://www.combataircraft.net // September 2018 107

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