Turkish Aerospace Industries, The first Turkish Air Force (TuAF) C-130 aircraft, the avionics modernization of which will be realized by TAI, arrived at TAI’s facilities on December 26, 2007. The aircraft, which took off from the 12th Transmission Base Commandership based in Kayseri, landed at TAI’s facilities, where it will go through series of avionics modernization activities.
Under the C-130 E/B Avionics Modernization (Erciyes) Program, the avionics modernization of a total of 13 TuAF C-130 aircraft (seven C-130E and six C-130B) will be realized by the prime contractor TAI.
With the arrival of the first C-130, the prototype period, which is planned to last 30-months, and comprises the modernization of the first two aircraft by TAI, was initiated. Under the Erciyes program, expected to last 56 months, TAI will oversee the modernization of the remaining 11 aircraft at TuAF 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center.
Within the framework of the program, which will be carried out in cooperation with TuAF 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center, TAI will integrate 17 new avionics systems and modernize five existing systems. When the Erciyes Program is completed, the aircraft will not only will be compatible with international flight rules, but their flight safety will be increased as well. The aircraft will also become long-term supportable with the modernized systems.
The program is very important for TAI, given the complexity of the modernization and avionics configuration, which are to be carried out completely with national capabilities. In addition to the development of the indigenous mission computer, the software development operations, that will be installed to the computer, will also be realized by TAI.
Under the program, the technical documentation and user manuals will be prepared by TAI and delivered to TuAF. Furthermore, upon delivery of the aircraft, TAI will also provide an Integrated Logistics Support for 20 years.
The procurement process of the equipment of the aircraft to be modernized has started as a result of the subcontracts that have been signed with three local and 15 international aerospace equipment manufacturers.
With the realization of the Erciyes Program, TAI will gain the capability to meet the modernization requirements of all countries with C-130s in their inventories.
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