Next 11 Aircraft to Be Modified in Australia

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received the first of its C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to be upgraded to the Block 8.1 standard. The RAAF acquired its C-130Js between 1999 and 2001.

DoD in Canberra announced on 15 January that the aircraft, overhauled in the US by Lockheed Martin, with support from the US Air Force, arrived in December at RAAF Base Richmond. All 12 of the RAAF’s C-130Js are operated from that base by No 37 Squadron. The remaining 11 will be modified in Australia by Airbus Australia Pacific.

According to DoD, the transition Block 6.1 to 8.1 incorporates new hardware and software, including safety improvements such as changes to the navigation systems to ensure greater accuracy during landing.

Meanwhile, DoD announced on 17 January that the RAAF has also begun receiving the first Australian-manufactured BLU-111(AUS)B/B warheads, as part of efforts to bolster the national defence industry and sovereign capabilities. The 500lb HE warhead was delivered to No 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown last year, where it was configured by armament technicians as a Paveway II laser-guided bomb before being loaded onto an F-35A for a training sortie.

The BLU-111(AUS)B/B is designed as a direct replacement for the older-generation Mk82 500lb warhead, delivering comparable performance while improving safety characteristics. AIR6000 Weapons Project Engineering Manager, Sqn Ldr Ryan Kell, was quoted as saying that, once fully introduced into service, the weapon would be used as the ‘go-to’ 500lb HE warhead for Air Force during operations and training exercises. “The BLU-111(AUS)B/B is intended for use in both Paveway II laser guided bombs and the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) family of guided bombs,” he noted.

Gabriel Dominguez reporting for MON