DATE:13/06/06
SOURCE:Flight International
ST Aero lands C-130 avionics deal
By Brendan Sobie in Singapore
Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) has been appointed prime
contractor for a revived project to upgrade the avionics on 10
Lockheed Martin C-130B/H Hercules transports for Singapores air
force, according to industry sources. To be responsible for
selecting equipment, subject to air force approval, and integrating
the new suite, the company is now seeking bids from several vendors
for equipment and integration-related services.
ST Aero declines to comment, but industry sources say several
foreign companies received within the last few weeks requests for
pricing on a specific list of equipment and services on a
non-competitive basis. Several avionics manufacturers have been
asked to bid on autopilots, displays, flight management systems,
radars, radios and navigation equipment, while Lockheed has been
requested to provide technical assistance and drawings. Additional
companies that have experience with integrating new avionics suites
on C-130s are also being asked to provide quotes.
Sources say ST Aero wanted companies to bid on similar packages in
2001 before Singapore put its planned C-130 avionics upgrade
programme on hold due to budget constraints and changed priorities.
Singapore has now set aside funds in its fiscal year 2006-7 budget
to relaunch the programme. A contract should be in place by 31
March 2007. Work on the first aircraft should begin next year, with
the project expected to take about four years to complete.
Singapore operates two C-130B and five C-130H transports and three
KC-130B/H tankers, according to Flights MiliCAS database. The
aircraft require new avionics to operate without restrictions in
Europe and North America. ST Aero has long sought to enter the
C-130 avionics upgrade market and is expected to pursue export
sales once the new configuration has been defined.
