Indonesian Air Force's C-130H transports to undergo avionics upgrade

The Indonesian Air Force's (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU's) fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H tactical transport aircraft is set to be upgraded with more advanced avionics as part of efforts to optimise operations, improve pilot situational awareness, and minimise aircraft downtime.

US company Collins Aerospace, part of Raytheon Technologies, announced on 2 November that it had been selected by Indonesia's GMF AeroAsia to supply its Flight2 avionics system, which includes a modern digital glass cockpit.

The upgrade will involve replacing the aircraft's analogue system with seven multifunction displays, three control display units, and a new digital autopilot. The aircraft will also be equipped with the Required Navigation Performance/Area Navigation flight management system, including high-altitude release point and computed air release point precision airdrop software, noted the company.

“We worked closely with GMF and the Indonesian Air Force to leverage our Flight2 Mobility Mission Application architecture, and to tailor the system to meet all the specific mission requirements,” said Dave Schreck, vice-president and general manager of Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace.

No details were provided about the upgrade schedule or the exact number of C-130Hs to be upgraded.