// CASE STUDY
C-130J SUPER HERCULES TCAS MILACAS V7.1 UPGRADE
To maintain operational clearance in global airspace, the RAF’s C-130J Hercules fleet required an upgrade to TCAS II Change 7.1 by December 2015. VuDu Engineering led the upgrade efforts, ensuring compliance with European airspace mandates while working within strict cost and time constraints.
Our expertise would help to ensure the continued viability of this tactical transport aircraft - which has served the UK military for over 56 years - until its out-of-service date (OSD). This exemplar project focused on proactively managing avionics obsolescence, cost efficiency, and long term strategic planning.
Client
Challenges & objectives
Implementation of a fleetwide upgrade to meet European Airspace regulations whilst ensuring minimal impact on day-to-day operational requirements.
Ensuring continued compliance with airworthiness and safety management protocols.
Management of ongoing engagement with regulators, stakeholders and independent evaluators.
VuDu expertise and services employed
Regulatory Compliance
VuDu established and secured agreement on the Type Certification Basis (TCB) for the required upgrades
Safety and Risk Assessment
Working within an airworthiness framework, VuDu conducted hazard analysis and safety management.
Independent Verification
Closely collaborating with QinetiQ, VuDu conducted independent technical evaluations to validate safety assessments.
Stakeholder Engagement
VuDu led senior management coordination within Defence Equipment & Support, ensuring alignment across all parties.
Results
On Schedule Delivery
Vudu made a valuable contribution to the RAF’s continued operational capabilities through the effective delivery of this project within a stringent timeline.
Continued Freedom of Operation
VuDu’s timely implementation of the required upgrade ensured continued compliance with international requirements and prevented operational restrictions on the C130-J fleet.
A Commended Solution
VuDu Engineering’s expertise and input delivered genuine value for the client. In particular, we were praised for our technical leadership and professional execution.
“I have worked with VuDu for a number of years in support of the UK C-130J, most recently on a number of key aircraft upgrades for which they had the lead. I greatly appreciate VuDu’s technical competence, leadership and professional approach and would not hesitate to recommend them.”
// MORE CASE STUDIES
C130-J SUPER HERCULES MODE 5 IFF & ADS-B UPGRADE
To extend the operational life of the C-130J Super Hercules, VuDu played a pivotal role in a collaborative £27 million project involving three air forces from around the world.
DISTRIBUTED SYNTHETIC AIR LAND TRAINING (DSALT)
To enhance the facilities available at RAF Waddington, VuDu provided essential technical leadership in Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training (DSALT).
PROTECTOR RG MK 1 (MQ-9B) REMOTELY PILOTED AIR SYSTEM
This exemplar project saw VuDu develop a TOMP for the C-130 Hercules following its 56 years of service to the Royal Air Force and wider UK military.
