USAF seeks more Link 16 installation work for HC-130Js
USAF HC-130J Combat King II aircraft on the flight line in February 2022. (Photo: USANG/Airman Serena Smith)
A Link 16 line-of-sight data capability is being integrated on up to 22 HC-130Js.
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation a $9.68 million contract modification for the installation of an interim Link 16 capability aboard HC-130J Combat King II long-range SAR aircraft.
The overall programme will see Link 16 line-of-sight data capability integrated on up to 22 HC-130Js using portions of the Airborne Mission Networking (AbMN) secure communications suite.
Work will be performed in Centennial, Colorado; Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; Moody AFB, Georgia; Patrick Space Force Base, Florida; and Moffett Field, California, and is expected to be completed by 15 October 2023.
In another recent contract modification, awarded in May 2022, Sierra Nevada received a $34 million order for LRIP of the MC-130J Commando II AbMN programme.
Work is expected to be completed by 19 January 2023.
The MC-130J Commando II is operated by USAF Special Operations Command.
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