Lockheed wins $167M Air Force contract

Lockheed Martin will develop an enhancement block for the C-130Js Super Hercules aircraft under a new $167 million Air Force contract award.

The enhancement will contain software and hardware capability expansion. The new configuration will include a communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management data link, an enhanced inter-communication system, updated Identification Friend or Foe and many other items, according to a Dec. 19 press release.

The upgrade, named Block 8.1, is for C-130Js Super Hercules aircraft currently in production for the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps and is being used in Iraq as well as being flown by a handful of other countries.

"Throughout its history, the C-130 has constantly changed and adapted to ensure it is always relevant and meeting the latest operational requirements," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs, said in a statement.

The Block Upgrade Program enables interoperability across the worldwide C-130J fleet, Martin added.

Currently, the fleet is flying with the Block 6.0 upgrade and the Block 7.0 configuration is in flight trials.

Lockheed Martin, of Bethesda, Md., ranks No. 1 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.