Raytheon has secured a significant contract worth $100 million to perform crucial maintenance on the AN/AAS-54 electro-optical/infrared system of the US Air Force’s HC-130J Combat King II aircraft. This contract is essential for the retrofitting and repair of this critical component and its subsystems, which are integral to the aircraft’s operational performance.
The scope of the contract includes addressing a variety of challenges, such as diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages, obsolescence issues, and enhancing the reliability and maintainability of the system. The AN/AAS-54 system plays a pivotal role in the HC-130J’s capabilities, allowing the aircraft to locate and track targets, as well as downed personnel or aircraft in difficult circumstances. It provides crews with vital information about both battlefield conditions and surrounding areas, thereby supporting critical decision-making processes.
Raytheon’s work on this contract will take place in Texas, with an expected completion date set for 2035.
The HC-130J Combat King II is a specialized variant of the C-130 transport aircraft and serves as the US Air Force’s sole fixed-wing platform dedicated to personnel recovery operations. Its primary mission involves rapid deployment to remote airfields and areas where conventional access may be restricted, facilitating all-weather personnel recovery efforts.
Equipped with four Rolls-Royce turboprop engines, the Combat King II can reach speeds of up to 316 knots (approximately 585 kilometers or 363 miles per hour) and boasts an impressive operational range of over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers). The aircraft also has a maximum payload capacity of 35,000 pounds (15,875 kilograms), allowing for versatility in various missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and emergency aeromedical evacuations.
As the demand for robust and reliable personnel recovery systems continues to grow, this contract marks a significant step in ensuring the HC-130J remains equipped with the highest-quality technology necessary for critical missions.
