Tunisia’s C-130 aircraft set for major upgrade
Tunisia received its first two C-130J-30s in 2013 and 2015. (Photo: USAF)
More than 300 C-130Js have been delivered worldwide, with more than 200 in service with US forces. Countries have been searching for upgrades with Norway this week receiving its first of type upgraded to new standard.
Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS) have been selected for a major upgrade of the Tunisian Air Force’s (TAF’s) two C-130J-30 tactical transport aircraft.
The work will entail a new cockpit and mechanical component upgrades for the aircraft and will be the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace Technologies solution by STEDAS.
The TAF has chosen Honeywell’s Cockpit Display System Retrofit (CDSR) glass cockpit solution, which provides various high-tech upgrades compared with legacy C-130 systems.
The CDSR solution, available in three-display and five-display options with large format LCD displays, flight controls, air data and altitude censors, has been designed to meet sustainability and modernisation needs.
Major improvements will include digital instruments, a multi-functional display and an array of peripherals such as the RDR7000 weather radar, a Traffic Collision Avoidance System and advanced flight controls.
The retrofits have been designed to provide TAF pilots and flight crew with improved safety, better flexibility and efficiency, and easier maintenance. Enhancements will be targeted in enhanced situational awareness, strategic route planning, streamlined crew interactions and reduced workloads.
In 2010, Tunisia ordered two C-130J-30 and received the first in April 2013 – the first-ever delivery of C-130J-30 on the continent – while the second arrived in January 2015.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Second tranche of UAVs for Replicator programme announced]()
Second tranche of UAVs for Replicator programme announced
The capabilities of the selected systems add to those in the first tranche announced earlier this year by the US Department of Defense.
-
![Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey]()
Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey
The Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS has a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear to earlier Gray Eagles, and is a production variant of the demonstrator Mojave UAS.
-
![Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks]()
Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks
The Chinook cockpit upgrade will enhance the UK RAF’s Chinooks’ collaboration with the US and improve operational effectiveness and safety, Collins have claimed.
-
![Brazil’s Super Tucano A-29 mid-life upgrade go-ahead expected by early 2025]()
Brazil’s Super Tucano A-29 mid-life upgrade go-ahead expected by early 2025
The Brazilian Air Force is working with Embraer to bring fifth-gen capabilities to 68 of its A-29 Super Tucano training and light attack aircraft, following an agreement at the Paris Air Show in 2023.
