The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) received the first of four C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters with the Block 8.1 upgrade from Lockheed Martin.
The RNoAF operates a fleet of the C-130J-30 tactical airlifters and received its Super Hercules fleet between 2008–2012. Lockheed Martin is installing the Block 8.1 upgrade kit on these aircraft at its site in Greenville, South Carolina. The aircraft was recently ferried from Greenville by a RNoAF crew to Norway, where these Super Hercules are operated by the 335 Squadron Gardermoen Air Station.
“Norway’s C-130J-30 fleet is a national asset with tremendous regional reach and impact, supporting critical missions with NATO, European Union and global Super Hercules partners,” said Danya Trent, vice president of International Programs for the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin. “As security demands increase, the Royal Norwegian Air Force C-130J-30 fleet must always be prepared to support any mission requirement. The Block 8.1 upgrade ensures the Norway’s Super Hercules fleet is mission-ready at any given time, delivering unprecedented reach, protection and connection.”
The Block 8.1 upgrade contains software and hardware expansions that deliver greater global reach, enhanced navigation and additional defensive capabilities, which include:
A new flight management system that complies with CNS/ATM mandates, and includes vertical navigation with coupled auto throttle
• Civil GPS
• Ground power modes
• Updated Identification Friend or Foe
• CNS/ATM Data Link
• Enhanced inter-communication system
• Enhanced approach and landing systems
• Expanded diagnostics
• Improved PA system
• Additional covert lighting
• IAMSAR compliant search pattern programming
The C-130J Super Hercules Joint User Group (JUG) drives the ongoing Block Upgrade program and is the most mature tactical airlift operators’ group in the world. As a JUG member, Norway shapes and develops the Super Hercules Block Upgrade Program. Block 8.1 is now the standard for all new production model Super Hercules airlifters and operators include/will include: the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as Australia, France, Germany and New Zealand.
