Flight2 Avionics Transform Flight Deck

Collins Aerospace announced on 27 February that the Portuguese Air Force has become the latest in a long line of nations that have selected the company to provide avionics modernisation solutions for their CH-130 HERCULES fleets.

As part of the upgrade, in which the company will serve as a contractor to OGMA – Industria Aeronautica de Portugal, Collins will leverage its Flight2 Mobility Mission Application (MMA) architecture, which allows customers to select from an extensive set of off-the-shelf capabilities. Customers using the MMA architecture can tailor the system to meet specific mission requirements, comply with regional communications navigation surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) mandates, or simply to maximise capabilities for a given budget.

Flight2 transforms a federated analogue system into a modern, digital glass cockpit that provides commonality to commercial aircraft. Included in the avionics upgrade is a full glass cockpit with new primary flight displays, Required Navigation Performance/Area Navigation flight management system with high altitude release point and computed air release point precision airdrop software.

By upgrading to Flight2, the Portuguese Air Force’s C-130H will be in in compliance with the most recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, while also equipping it with a tactical advantage in military operations. The service operates five C-130H aircraft, according to MONCh sister publication World Defence Almanac 2018.

Of the 900 Flight2 solutions so far procured for fixed-wing platforms, 190 are for C-130s in 15 different countries, making Collins the most prolific supplier of avionics upgrades for the type.

“The Portuguese Air Force uses C-130s for a broad range of missions, including personnel and cargo transport, and even firefighting,” commented Vice President, Military Avionics & Helicopters for Collins Aerospace, Dave Schreck. “Modernising to the Flight2 system provides their Air Force with the latest generation of avionics aimed at optimising their operations while making the most of their budget and minimising aircraft downtime.”