The Tunisian Air Force (TAF) is undergoing a major modernization program for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which are vital for its military and humanitarian operations. The program involves upgrading the cockpit and mechanical components of the aircraft, as well as acquiring two additional C-130H aircraft from the United States.
The TAF has selected Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS) to perform the upgrade work on its two existing C-130J-30 aircraft, which were delivered in 2013 and 2015. The upgrade will be the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace Technologies solution by STEDAS, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Dassault Aviation.
The upgrade will feature Honeywell’s Cockpit Display System Retrofit (CDSR) glass cockpit solution, which provides various high-tech enhancements compared with legacy C-130 systems. The CDSR solution, available in three-display and five-display options with large format LCD displays, flight controls, air data and altitude sensors, has been designed to meet sustainability and modernisation needs.
The CDSR solution will offer major improvements such as digital instruments, a multi-functional display and an array of peripherals such as the RDR7000 weather radar, a Traffic Collision Avoidance System and advanced flight controls. The retrofits will provide TAF pilots and flight crew with improved safety, better flexibility and efficiency, and easier maintenance. Enhancements will be targeted in enhanced situational awareness, strategic route planning, streamlined crew interactions and reduced workloads.
“We are honoured to work together with ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services to introduce the glass cockpit and mechanical component upgrade solutions for the Tunisian Air Force,” said Sathesh Ramiah, Vice President, Defence & Space, Asia Pacific at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Honeywell’s glass cockpit represents a leap forward in modern aerospace technology, helping ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency.”
In addition to upgrading its existing C-130J-30 aircraft, the TAF will also receive two C-130H aircraft from the United States, which approved the transfer in June 2020. Tunisia requested for two of the aircraft on 6 June 2019, and the total acquisition value stated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency is $60 million. The C-130H aircraft will augment the TAF’s transport capabilities and provide interoperability with its allies.
The TAF has also contracted EDGE Group entity, AMMROC, a military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider, to perform Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) and upgrades on one of its C-130 aircraft. The aircraft was delivered by TAF personnel to AMMROC’s MRO facility in Al Ain, UAE, in November 2021, and the work is expected to last six months. The contract will involve a full structural inspection followed by the customer-driven upgrade requirements. The announcement was made during the Dubai Airshow, which was held at Dubai World Central.
The modernization program for the TAF’s C-130 fleet reflects Tunisia’s commitment to enhancing its air force capabilities and readiness, as well as its strategic partnership with the United States and other allies. The C-130 aircraft are essential for the TAF’s missions, such as troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and special operations. The upgraded C-130 aircraft will enable the TAF to perform these missions more effectively and efficiently, and to support regional stability and security.