The Royal Norwegian Air Force Receives Its First C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Upgraded to Block 8.1 Standard
Last week, Lockheed Martin delivered the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft upgraded to Block 8.1 standards to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret).
This delivery, which will improve the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s interoperability with its Nordic and European allies, follows the Oslo government’s April 26, 2023 request from the US government for ongoing maintenance and related services for existing C-130J-30 aircraft via Foreign Military Sales, valued at $166 million. Following State Department and Congressional approval, the US Department of Defense signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to upgrade the four Block 6 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft received by Norway between 2008 and 2012 to the Block 8.1 standard.
As part of the agreement, Lockheed Martin is installing the Block 8.1 upgrade kit on these aircraft at its Greenville facility in South Carolina. After the modernization is completed, these aircraft, which will be able to serve after 2028, will return to their former duties in 335 Squadron of the 134th Air Wing at Gardermoen Air Base (part of Oslo Civil Airport).
The Block 8.1 upgrade contains software and hardware expansions that provide greater global reach, improved navigation, and additional defensive capabilities. According to Lockheed Martin, these upgrades include: a new flight management system that complies with CNS/ATM mandates, and includes vertical navigation with coupled auto throttle; civil GPS; ground power modes; an updated identification friend or foe (IFF) system; a CNS/ATM datalink; an enhanced inter-communication system; enhanced approach and landing systems; expanded diagnostics; an improved PA system; additional covert lighting; and International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR)-compliant search pattern programming.
Danya Trent, vice president of International Programs in Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, stated of Norway’s ongoing Super Hercules Block Upgrade program, “Norway’s C-130J-30 fleet is a national asset with tremendous regional reach and impact, supporting critical missions with NATO, European Union and global Super Hercules partners. As security demands increase, the Royal Norwegian Air Force C-130J-30 fleet must always be prepared to support any mission requirement. The Block 8.1 upgrade ensures the Norway’s Super Hercules fleet is mission-ready at any given time, delivering unprecedented reach, protection and connection.”
The Super Hercules Block Upgrade Program is managed by the C-130J Super Hercules Joint User Group (JUG), of which Norway is a member. Block 8.1 is now standard on all new production Super Hercules aircraft, and operators include the United States Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand.