Oct. 11, 2022 —
The Coast Guard awarded a contract to L3Harris Technologies Inc. Sept. 28, 2022, for up to five AN/APY-11 multimode radars that will be installed on new C-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft during the Minotaur missionization process.
The firm fixed price contract is for the delivery of three multimode radars, which will be installed by L-3 Communication Integrated Systems in Waco, Texas, during the missionization and Block 8.1 upgrade for the 18th, 19th and 20th C-130J aircraft in the Coast Guard fleet. The contract also includes options for radars up to the program of record of 22 aircraft.
The Minotaur system offers significant increases in processing speed and memory capacity and incorporates multiple sensors including radar, command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
The Block 8.1 upgrade adds new and advanced capabilities, including an enhanced inter-communication system, enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics, civil GPS and additional covert lighting.
The HC-130J carries out many Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, cargo and personnel transport and maritime stewardship. The aircraft is capable of serving as an on-scene command and control platform or as a surveillance platform with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share that information with operational forces.
For more information: HC-130J Long Range Surveillance Aircraft Program page and the Minotaur Mission System Program page.