C-130J Minotaur options exercised
L3 Technologies Integrated Systems has had two contract options exercised by the US Coast Guard (USCG) for installation of the Minotaur mission system suite on two HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft, the USCG announced on 12 January.
Minotaur is being used on various platforms across the US Department of Defence and Homeland Security. Installation of the Minotaur system involves modifying the aircraft to incorporate the radar, sensors and C4ISTAR equipment that enable aircrew to collect and process surveillance information for transmission to shore and surface operators.
This work covers missionisation of CGNRs 2012 and 2013, which are currently in baseline production at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.
The Minotaur system is installed on three HC-130Js; these three aircraft are among the seven HC-130Js operating out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The other four aircraft are operating with the legacy mission system.
Four additional aircraft are undergoing missionisation at Waco, of which two are receiving retrofits and the other two entered the process from their baseline configuration.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025]()
US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025
The fund includes extra money for constructing a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a second Virginia-class submarine.
-
![Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards]()
Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards
The launch of the King Thalun marks a high point for shipbuilding in Myanmar.
-
![Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy]()
Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy
The second Virginia-class vessel delivered in 2024, the USS Iowa is also the twelfth battle force vessel added to the US Navy across the year.
-
![China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel]()
China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel
The Type 076, named the Sichuan at launch, is part of a naval arms race with the US Navy.
-
![How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities]()
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.
