C-130 AMP Program Receives Contract, Heads Into Uncertainty

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/C-130-AMP-Program-Receives-Contract-Heads-Into-Uncertainty-06046/

The USA's C-130E/H fleet suffers from 2 key problems: (1) many aircraft, especially Air National Guard planes, aren't flyable, or won't remain so much longer; and (2) their avionics are too old to meet modern standards for flight in civil airspace. The 1st problem is being addressed by major structural rework, inspections, and groundings. The 2nd problem was supposed to be addressed by the C-130 AMP program, begun in 2001 in order to improve aircraft fight-readiness, flight times, flexibility, and fuel use. Higher than expected costs have left the US military considering program cancellation