LONDON, July 19 (UPI) -- The new Block 8.1 upgrade of U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft will feature a satellite communication component from Thrane and Thrane A/S of Denmark.
Cobham Plc, the British company that recently acquired Thrane and Thrane, said the contract for AVIATOR 700D was given by Lockheed Martin and is worth more than $24.7 million.
About 200 of the Super Hercules transporters will be fitted with the Aviator 700D, which will support the air traffic management data link component of the aircraft.
"Aviator 700D will support the enhanced communications functionality of this extensive upgrade program for the C-130J," said Walther Thygesen, chief executive officer of Thrane and Thrane.
"The system functionality, reliability and certification fit the requirements and Thrane and Thrane is well positioned to be a reliable partner throughout the deployment of the upgrade program and the on-going use of Aviator 700D."
The Block 8.1 upgrade is expected to also be performed on C-130Js operated by Britain, Australia, Italy, Denmark, Canada and Norway.
