HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E

Mission — HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E source

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization provides a Medium-lift tanker aircraft to replace the aging USAF fleet of combat rescue HC-130P/N and special operations MC-130E/H/P/W and AC-130H/U/W aircraft for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Air Force Special Operation Forces, which are experiencing airworthiness, maintainability, and operations limitations. HC/MC-130 Recap incorporates production line modifications to the C-130J production aircraft to convert them to an HC/MC model, providing a common baseline configuration aircraft. The program also funds post-production modifications to add special mission systems required for behind- enemy-line operations required of CSAR and Special Operations aircraft. The HC-130J aircraft provides combat search and rescue infiltration and exfiltration including aerial refueling of aircraft in combat search and rescue operations as well as acting as an airborne command post during rescue operations. The MC-130J can provide specialized mobility capability to position, supply, re-supply and recover specialized ground tactical units. The AC-130J is an MC-130J that has been highly modified to provide close air support and armed reconnaissance. The Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) portion of the Recap program funds engineering support and studies to conduct rapid development activities, and develops upgrades to deliver specific increments of capability in common configurations across the fielded fleet, which includes AC/HC/MC-130J. The RDT&E activities in PE 0605278F currently include, but are not limited to, Block 7.0/8.1, and Communications Modernization and related efforts to meet the Cryptographic Modernization Mandates, Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (R-PNT) STAR XIII Mission Computer Operational Flight Program (OFP) development. Block 7.0/8.1 leverages the baseline C-130J (PEC 0401132F) Block 7.0/8.1 upgrade, but funds unique AC/HC/MC-130J configuration integration requirements. The Block 7.0/8.1 project will deliver Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) capabilities required for compliance with evolving international airspace standards. It also incorporates a new Flight Management System (FMS) that allows AC/HC/MC-130J aircraft to maintain hardware and software commonality with the C-130J Enterprise. The remaining capabilities 7.0/8.1 provides are Link-16, Civil GPS Navigation and Data Link, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder Mode-5, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out). The USAF has also initiated the Communications Modernization program to comply with Cryptographic Modernization 1 and 2 requirements, including but not limited to meeting Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and VINSON/ANDVT Cryptographic Modernization (VACM) mandates, as well as deliver Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), Airborne Mission Network (AbMN) integration, and HF Modernization capabilities to resolve DMS issues. The Air Force decoupled IFF Mode 5 and ADS-B from the Block 7.0/8.1 program to accelerate fielding to address DoD mandates. Additionally, in 2018 the USAF significantly revamped its HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1. upgrade strategy, de-scoping the MC-130J from the current Block 7.0/8.1 program to allow the MC-130J to prioritize other (SOCOM- funded) modifications while allowing Air Combat Command (ACC) to move forward with Block 7.0/8.1 on the HC-130J. The majority of the AC/MC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 requirements, including meeting the DoD MUOS and VACM mandates, will be addressed through the Communications Modernization program. The remaining capabilities will be addressed at a future date. Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (R-PNT) will provide reliable and accurate R-PNT solutions to ensure safe aerial navigation, delivery of precision fires, and support precise time coordination. This capability will also provide the foundation to counter emerging and continuously evolving electronic and cyber threats to R-PNT. R-PNT will integrate hardware and software to enable transit in GPS degraded/denied environments and support documented strategy requirements for uncompromised CSAR and SOF infil/exfil operations in contested environments. The chosen R-PNT solution will comply with the CSAF Capability Development Guidance Memorandum (CDGM), dated 4 Oct 2022. The STAR XIII Mission Computer OFP program will develop, verify, and certify a software release to enable fleet interoperability with the new STAR XIII Mission Computer. The program will involve a Trial Kit Installation, development testing, and Product Support Package development and validation in advance of production and fielding. HC/MC-130J Recap funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/ demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. It also covers integration and certification for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Materiel Solutions (DMSMS) and other development activities under the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) as needed to keep the AC/HC/MC programs effective against emerging threats. This development funding covers associated aircraft costs for testing purposes to include but not limited field level maintenance such as day-to-day launch, recovery, inspection, servicing, and removal and replacement of LRUs within the capabilities and qualifications of its maintenance team, support equipment needed to support flight test, maintenance repair team support during the transfer ferry sortie if the aircraft diverts and all test related aircraft flying hour costs. The program may also include any Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME)/A&AS support deemed necessary to support the program objectives. The HC/MC-130 Recap RDT&E permits the initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as needed. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $2.069 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative." This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 3.267M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 4.328M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Mission — HC-130J Modernization source

HC/MC-130 Recapitalization replaces the aging USAF fleet of combat rescue HC-130P/N and special operations MC-130E/H/P/W and AC-130H/U/W aircraft for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Air Force Special Operation Forces, which are experiencing airworthiness, maintainability, and operational imitations. The primary effort to modernize CSAR capabilities on the HC-130J platform to keep the aircraft viable against emerging threats. The HC-130J Modernization Programs fund the program lifecycle from development to installation in three major thrust areas to include but not limited to Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), Development, and Government Test. RDT&E permits the initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as needed. CIP includes recurring software and hardware enhancements to address evolving requirements for Special Operations Forces and Personnel Recovery missions. These enhancements will be incorporated in both production and fielded aircraft. These enhancements will include, but are not limited to, parallel operational flight program [OFP] updates, integration and certification for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Materiel Solutions [DMSMS], and other development activities as needed to keep the HC-130J programs effective against emerging threats. This funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. The HC-130J Modernization Development program funds engineering support, development, and test activities necessary to deliver specific capabilities in support of connectivity, survivability, and sustainment objectives. These activities may include, but are not limited to, development and integration of electronic warfare, airborne battle management, and an upgraded Link-16 capability. This program would include HC-130J platform support to resolve deficiency reports and meet mission requirements/mandates to maintain the fleet. Testing purposes include, but not limited to, field level maintenance such as day-to-day launch, recovery, inspection, servicing, and removal and replacement of LRUs within the capabilities and qualifications of its maintenance team, support equipment needed to support flight test, maintenance repair team support during the transfer ferry sortie if the aircraft diverts and all test related aircraft flying hour costs. This program element may include necessary Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME)/A&AS support and civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver HC-130J modernization weapon system capabilities. Currently, HC-130J Block 7.0/8.1 program has allocated Direct Cite Authority positions. These allocated positions support ACC program planning and may be reallocated to future programs as they are established. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 $0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Communication Modernization source

The Communication Modernization Project will allow the AC/HC/MC-130Js to meet the Secretary of the Air Force's Cryptographic Modernization Mandate requirements. The USAF initiated the Communications Modernization program to comply with Cryptographic Modernization 1 and 2 requirements, including, but not limited to, meeting Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and VINSON/ANDVT Cryptographic Modernization (VACM) mandates, as well as delivering Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), Airborne Mission Network (AbMN) integration, and HF Modernization capabilities to resolve DMS issues. The Air Force intends to execute critical portions of AC/MC-130J 7.0/8.1 program as part of the Communications Modernization program. The remaining AC/MC-130J 7.0/8.1 capabilities (i.e., those not needed to execute Communications Modernization) will be installed on the AC and MC-130J under a future RDT&E program within this project. Communication Modernization funding supports innovation activities to include but are not limited to studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Project 675910, Communication Modernization may include initiation and employment of rapid acquisition authorities to respond to emerging threats and requirements as need. Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing will provide reliable and accurate PNT solutions to ensure safe aerial navigation, delivery of precision fires, and support precise time coordination. This capability will also provide the foundation to counter emerging and continuously evolving electronic and cyber threats to PNT. R-PNT will integrate hardware and software to enable transit in GPS degraded/denied environments and support documented strategy requirements for uncompromised CSAR and SOF infil/exfil operations in contested environments. The chosen R-PNT solution will comply with the CSAF Capability Development Guidance Memorandum (CDGM), dated 4 Oct 2022. STAR XIII mission computer will ensure interoperability of the new STAR XIII computer with the A/H/M fleet. The STAR XIII mission computer is a Diminishing Manufacturing Source replacement to the STAR IX MC. This effort will include but is not limited to integration with the MC-130J CR-2 software baseline (PE 1160403BB, Aviation Systems); funding covers development, integration testing, and associated fielding costs for the software build. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 $3.267 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $4.328 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (9)