C-130 Program to Launch Despite Doubts

[unhappycamper]

C-130 Program to Launch Despite Doubts
June 26, 2010
The Macon Telegraph

The Boeing company has delivered the first C-130 Avionics Modernization Program kit to Robins Air Force Base, launching a program that figures to employ workers at Robins at least for the next four years.

The second kit is on its way to Robins and will be installed into a C-130 cargo aircraft beginning in October, according to Robins employees involved with the program.

"We'll have a total of 10 (kits) from (fiscal year) '10 to FY '14," said Tommy Jackson, the deputy AMP program manager at Robins. Work on the first C-130 AMP will begin in August, Jackson said.

The C-130 AMP program is essentially a modernized cockpit for the aircraft, with increased radar capabilities and night vision for the pilots. The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center will be charged with installing many of the C-130 AMP kits into the aircraft. It takes about a year to completely input the C-130 AMP kit into an aircraft.

The move comes at a curious time for the C-130 AMP program. In the past year, Air Force leaders have expressed doubts about the Pentagon's ability to pay for the entire program. Last year, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Nortan Schwartz recommended that the program be terminated. However, the Pentagon has continued to fund the program.