C-130 AVIONICS MODERNIZATION (ERCIYES PROGRAM) HAS STARTED

The C-130 Avionics Modernization “Erciyes Program,” the contract of which was signed by the Undersecretary for Defense Industries (SSM) Mr. Murad Bayar, TAI Chairman of Board of Directors Maj.Gen. (R) Hasan Peker Günal and TAI General Manager Mr. Muharrem Dörtkaşlı on 1 December 2006, was initiated with the “Kick-off Meeting” held on 11 January 2007.

At the “Erciyes Program Kick-off Meeting,” which was attended by representatives of the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) Command, SSM and Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., following the review and approval of the program requirements, the program was initiated.

Within the framework of the C130 Avionics Modernization Program, in which TAI was assigned as the Prime Contractor by SSM, the avionics modernization of a total of 13 C130 aircraft (seven C130E and six C130B), that are in the inventory of TuAF, will be realized. Under the program; the existing analog cockpits and avionic systems will be transformed into digital cockpit and new generation avionic systems; a Ground Mission Planning Station, regarding the systems to be integrated, will be designed and produced; in parallel to design/integration activities, manufacturing activities regarding the transformation of two prototype aircraft; the production of the remaining 11 aircraft as well as Integrated Logistics Support activities regarding the integrated systems will be realized by TAI.

Under the program, a total of 17 new systems will be integrated on the aircraft, whereas five existing systems will be upgraded.

The modernization of the first two aircraft will be realized at TAI’s facilities, and the modernization of the remaining 11 aircraft will realized at TuAF 2nd Air Forces Supply and Maintenance Center under the responsibility and supervision of TAI.

The program is of great importance as an avionic modernization/integration program in such configuration and scope will be realized under TAI’s prime contractorship and completely with national capabilities. With the realization of the Erciyes Program, TAI will achieve an advantage to meet the modernization requirements of the countries that have C130s in their inventories.

LINK