WASHINGTON - The C-130 Hercules is the most versatile military aircraft in history. Originally conceived as a cargo and troop transport, the airframe has been adapted for use as a gunship, an aerial refueling tanker, a maritime patrol aircraft, an airborne jammer, a reconnaissance plane and even a firefighter to battle Western wildfires, Loren Thompson writes for Forbes.
Continue reading original article.The Intelligent Aerospace take:
November 18, 2020 -Since it took to the skies nearly 70 years ago, the four-engined turboprop has been a capable jack of all trades transport aircraft. The C-130 has also been used in many other missions, Thompson notes.
The C-130 often flies low-altitude missions with low visibility, Thompson argues that the turboprop should get an upgraded head-up display (HUD). The current HUD displays symbology, not actual images, requiring pilots to be trained in interpretation rather than recognition. Raytheon Technology's subsidiary Collins Aerospace makes an enhanced HUD that superimposes an image over the symbology and Thompson argues that the technology would be a wise investment for the Department of Defense.
Related: Collins Aerospace to upgrade Portuguese Air Force's C-130H avionics
Related: Air Force orders 17 new C-130J utility turboprop aircraft for search, rescue, and refueling
Related: Collins Aerospace announces new orders for C-130 NP2000 propeller system
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
