3/27/2008 - ST. LOUIS -- The Boeing Company has returned the second C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) aircraft, H2.5, to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for continued testing and software upgrades.

A joint Boeing and U.S. Air Force crew from Louisville, Ky., flew the aircraft to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards on March 22. The aircraft, assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, 165th Airlift Squadron, Kentucky Air National Guard, was in Kentucky for a comprehensive inspection and its first defensive systems check.

"This is the first step toward integrating the defensive systems with the rest of the aircraft's AMP modifications. Keeping the warfighter safe is our number-one priority, so maintaining the integrity of the defensive systems is a crucial part of the AMP process," said Mike Harris, Boeing vice president and C-130 AMP program manager.

With the return of H2.5, there are currently two Boeing C-130 AMP aircraft at Edwards. A third aircraft, H3, is undergoing modifications and upgrades at Boeing Support Systems' San Antonio facility.

Boeing's C-130 AMP provides enhanced digital avionics that significantly increase situational awareness for the warfighter. The Air Force awarded Boeing the AMP contract in July 2001. The upgrade commonality brought to the fleet of C-130 transport aircraft by the AMP also offers additional flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type.

Source: Boeing Press Release