The Collins Aerospace HF-9500 High Frequency (HF) airborne communications system has been selected by Lockheed Martin for all future international C-130J Super Hercules Foreign Military Sales (FMS) production aircraft. The HF-9500 is available and ready now, replacing the legacy ARC-190 previously offered for international C-130J customers. The HF-9500 is a complete system comprising of a modernized receiver-transmitter, antenna coupler and radio control that is easily integrated into various aircraft and antenna configurations. Designed with retrofits in mind, it can be installed quickly and at a low cost with minimal downtime or impact on aircraft availability.
“HF communications are a critical alternative to SATCOM when operating within contested environments.” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “Making this technology standard for global C-130J operators ensures that pilots are equipped with the most reliable, long-range HF communications systems needed for successful missions.”
The HF-9500 features an upgraded software architecture that meets current and future capabilities, such as open system tenets and beyond-line-of-sight transfer of Command and Control (C2) data securely in real-time over HF. Collins has been a leader in HF technology for over seven decades, providing communications solutions for the air, ground and sea. Today, the company supplies HF systems for the U.S. Air Force’s High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) and provides HF communications on nearly all airlift, tanker and bomber assets used in the U.S. Department of Defense.
Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aerospace and defense products, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. On 26 November 2018, United Technologies announced the completion of its Rockwell Collins acquisition, after which it merged its newly acquired business with UTC Aerospace Systems to form Collins Aerospace. The new company reported $26 billion of combined sales in 2019 and is composed of 68,000 employees. In 2020 United Technologies merged with Raytheon Company to form Raytheon Technologies. Collins Aerospace has six strategic business units: Aerostructures, Avionics, Interiors, Mechanical Systems, Missions Systems, and Power & Controls.[4]
