189th AMPd to see latest modified C-130

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bob Oldham
  • 189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Arkansas Air National Guard Airmen and the media received a sneak peak at the Arkansas Air National Guard's newest plane - the C-130 AMP - when it arrived here March 21, for a show-and-tell session. AMP stands for avionics modernization program. 

The C-130 AMP on display was a 1980s era C-130H2.5 that has received upgraded avionics in the cockpit by Boeing. The Air Force will upgrade more than 200 1980s era C-130s with the technology. The Arkansas ANG's 189th Airlift Wing will be the schoolhouse that teaches aircrews how to fly the C-130 AMP. 

"We're planning to have nine C-130 AMP aircraft on our ramp," said Col. Jim Summers, 189th Airlift Wing commander. But, the colonel quickly added, that's if the program stays on track and other competing aircraft projects don't price it out of the Air Force's plans. 

Air Force officials are striving, within budgetary constraints, to modernize the fleet while doing their part to win the war on terror and provide Airmen an adequate quality of life. Programs like the F-22 Raptor, which costs $160 million per plane, decimates the Air Force's budget almost as quickly as it can take out a squadron of F-15s. For every F-22 built, the Air Force could upgrade the avionics in 16 C-130Hs. 

Boeing's C-130 AMP provides enhanced digital avionics that significantly increases situational awareness for the warfighter. The Air Force awarded Boeing the AMP contract in July 2001. The upgrade commonality brought to the fleet of C-130 transport aircraft by the AMP also offers additional flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type. 

"We are pleased to be here with members of the Arkansas Air National Guard. We are working together applying AMP to shape the future of the C-130. Boeing's AMP ensures the affordable long-term combat relevance of the C-130 Hercules for years to come," said Mark Angelo, Boeing's C-130 AMP deputy program manager. 

The C-130H2.5 stopped over at Little Rock Air Force Base on its way to the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Boeing has two C-130 AMP aircraft at the test facility. A third aircraft, a C-130H3, is undergoing modifications and upgrades at Boeing Support Systems' San Antonio, Texas, facility.

A timeline of expected milestones for the 189th Airlift Wing and the C-130 AMP: 

December 2008, AMP simulator delivered to Little Rock AFB 

May 2009, AMP simulator certified ready for use 

December 2009, AMP aircraft 1 and 2 complete Developmental Test and Evaluation 

Summer 2010, AMP instructor/initial crews begin training 

July 2010, first AMP aircraft arrives at Little Rock AFB 

January 2011, AMP Operational Test and Evaluation begins here with Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center

March 2012, AMP full-rate production begins, approximately 200 aircraft 

Year 2013, 189 AW certified as the AMP formal training unit