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Phase 1 C-130J Block Upgrade Program 7.0
Phase 2 C-130J Block Upgrade Program 8.0
Phase Scope
This project consists of a number of phases each of which will constitute the respective Block Upgrades to the C‑130J Hercules. The scope of each phase is likely to contain elements of software and system reliability and maintainability, technology refresh, technology obsolescence, and new capability. The final composition of each phase is intended to be determined collaboratively between all C‑130J user nations and take into account the respective national priorities.
Background
The C-130J Hercules features software and hardware systems and functionality which require regular upgrades throughout the life of the aircraft. Accordingly, C-130J users need to, as a minimum, combat obsolescence and maintain reliability and maintainability of systems through regular upgrades to their respective C-130J fleets. The C-130J Block Upgrade Program (BUP) was set up by the international users to manage these upgrades in an effective and efficient manner. The C‑130J BUP is managed by the C-130J Joint User Group (JUG) in conjunction with the original equipment manufacturer, Lockheed Martin (LM Aero). The scope of each Block Upgrade is collaboratively established by the joint user community (seven nations) and consists of five key elements being; requirements definition, design development, modification development and acquisition, national installation and through-life support arrangements.
Australian Industry Opportunities
Acquisition
There is limited scope for Australian industry involvement in the Block Upgrades. There is no scope within the design development and modification development elements of the project because of ongoing arrangements with other C‑130J users and LM Aero, and also because the method of procurement and contracting will be through the US Foreign Military Sales process.
Through‑life Support
The national installation and the through‑life support (TLS) element of the project will be undertaken as Australian unique activities and will require Australian industry participation. Australian industry participation is expected to continue throughout future phases.
Industry capabilities and activities for Phase 1 will involve installing the tested and certified Block 7.0 Upgrade package onto the C-130J fleet and providing TLS for the Block 7.0 life-of-type. These activities will be undertaken using extant C-130J support contracts, and will include:
- changes to the supply support systems – codification, identification and acceptance of assets;
- assistance with the engineering effort to augment the project team’s resources during the test, design acceptance and certification activities;
- development and incorporation of the changes to the full-flight simulator;
- upgrade to the other training systems and training courseware and material;
- and in-service support.
Industry Capabilities and Activities
Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry in these phases include:
| Phases 1 and 2 | Capability |
|---|---|
| Activity | Rotary & Fixed Wing Aircraft |
| In-Service / Through-life Support | D |
| Logistics Support | D |
| Modelling / Simulation | O |
| Repair and Maintain | D |
| Test and Evaluate | O |
Acquisition Category (ACAT)
| ACAT Attribute | Complexity Level Assessment |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Cost | Level 3 Moderate $100m–$500m (Towards the lower end of the band) (for each phase) |
| Project Management Complexity | Level 3 Moderate |
| Schedule | Level 3 Moderate |
| Technical Difficulty | Level 3 Moderate |
| Operation and Support | Level 3 Moderate |
| Commercial | Level 3 Moderate |
The ACAT Level assessed for each of these Phases is ACAT III.
Planned Schedule Highlights
| First Pass Approval | Phase 1 Phase 2 |
FY 2009-10 to FY 2010-11 FY 2012-13 to FY 2014-15 |
|---|---|---|
| Year-of-Decision | Phase 1 Phase 2 |
FY 2009-10 to FY 2010-11 FY 2012-13 to FY 2014-15 |
| Initial Operating Capability | Phase 1 Phase 2 |
2012 to 2014 2015 to 2017 |
Points of Contact
Phase:Phases 1 and 2 |
Capability Staff:Deputy Director Combat Mobility (02) 6265 1073 |
Defence Materiel Organisation:Project Director AIR 5440 Airlift Systems Program Office (02) 4588 1165 |
