L3Harris and Strategic Global Aviation recently celebrated the arrival of the first U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft to the SGA facility with an induction and ribbon cutting ceremony. The two companies are partnered to increase fleet readiness solutions for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers. With support from L3Harris, SGA recently achieved what’s known as “8210 compliance,” or simply – accreditation to perform flight and ground operations for DoD aircraft. The recent C-130 induction also marks the arrival of the first DoD aircraft to SGA for support. The aircraft is part of L3Harris’s C-130 Contractor Depot Maintenance program. The Dec. 13 induction ceremony featured speakers Dr. JP Peloquin, Chief, C-130 Hercules Division, U.S. Air Force; Sara Tatsch, VP/General Manager, Modernization and Modifications Group (MMG), L3Harris; Tom Kane, CEO, SGA; and John Calabrese, Board Chairman, Rome Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Today is much more than just a ceremonial observance. It’s an acknowledgement, an appreciation of an enduring partnership that will improve fleet readiness. The L3Harris/SGA partnership is a force multiplier, providing multiple spacious maintenance facilities and experienced technicians in Texas and New York ready to help our customers achieve their goals,” said Sara Tatsch, L3Harris.
“I know there’s a need to get things done – I’d rather see them in the fight. But to know that there is an industrial base here that is willing to turn these aircraft quickly to get them back to the operators and the warfighters, that’s where my heart is. It’s important that we have an industrial base that can meet these requirements. I speak with a lot of wing commanders around the U.S. Air Force that just want their iron back… to do their missions. This is a big step today in getting that done – I’m thankful to everybody who made this possible,” said Dr. JP Peloquin, Chief, C-130 Hercules Division, U.S. Air Force.
L3Harris is the prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force’s C-130 AMP Increment 2 program, updating the avionics for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve fleet of C-130H aircraft. Scope of the U.S. Air Force’s C-130 AMP Increment 2 program:
Design, integrate, fabricate, install, test, and certify an avionics solution that modernizes the USAF C-130H fleet
Communications, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) compliant
Addresses aging equipment/obsolescence (DMSMS)
Four EMD kits & installs
176 aircraft including H1, H2, H2.5, H3, and LC-130H
Deliverable SIL to the USAF’s 580th Software Maintenance Squadron
Upgrade to nine Weapon System Trainers (simulators)
Type 1 aircrew & maintenance training
Technical publications
L3Harris Technologies (L3Harris) is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces C6ISR systems and products, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. They specialize in surveillance solutions, microwave weaponry, and electronic warfare. Built on more than a century of innovation, L3Harris has its roots in both the entrepreneurial spirit of the Industrial Revolution and the earliest days of the space program. It was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies (formerly L-3 Communications) and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019, and was expected to be the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States. As of 2022, L3Harris is organized under three business segments: Integrated Mission Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, and Communication Systems.