RMAF to upgrade C-130 Hercules avionics
THE Ministry of Defense has issued a tender for the upgrade of six units of C-130 Hercules aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
The tender was announced in several local newspapers and on the ministry’s website on August 20. However, it was not posted on the E-perolehan website.
The tender is related to upgrading the avionics of the transport aircraft. Interested bidders can participate in a visit scheduled for August 29, and the tender will close on October 10. The bidding documents cost RM1,500 and will be returned to unsuccessful bidders.
The RMAF’s C-130 upgrade program has been ongoing for the past two decades. Considering that the aircraft, known as Hercules, will be in use until 2040, upgrading the avionics section is necessary.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the aircraft. The YC-130A prototype made its maiden flight on August 23, 1954.
The RMAF has ten C-130 Hercules aircraft, including several C-130H-30 variants and four aerial refueling variants, KC-130H. All the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft are stationed in Squadron 20 at Subang Air Base and Squadron 14 at Labuan Air Base.
