The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced that it has completed software development for its C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). The milestone was achieved following the successful flight test of aircraft AMP 2 (H2.5), conducted by Boeing and the U.S. Air Force on Aug. 18. During the 1.6-hour flight from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., the combined Boeing/Air Force crew tested the functionality of Core Complete 2.2.

"This is a great day for the AMP team," said Mark Angelo, Boeing C-130 AMP program manager. "This flight marks the completion of the developmental stage of both the aircraft's hardware and software. We are ready to begin Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) early next year."

Boeing will install kits on 11 C-130 transport aircraft under the LRIP agreement. The company is expected to provide the AMP modifications and upgrades to more than 200 C-130 aircraft under the Air Force contract awarded in 2001.

The first AMP aircraft, AMP 1 (H2), is at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., for isochronal inspection, which is a comprehensive nose-to-tail inspection and system check. AMP 2 will continue ground and flight testing at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards.

A third aircraft, AMP 3 (H3), is undergoing modifications and upgrades at Boeing Support Systems' San Antonio facility. The aircraft will receive a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital glass cockpit and a new digital avionics system, increasing situational awareness for the warfighter. The AMP upgrade also brings commonality to the C-130 fleet and offers flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the Model design type.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.