Aircraft
Harvest Hawk arms the Hercules
Last month the U.S.
This VMGR-352 KC-130J is the first to be fitted with the Harvest Hawk system. Note the sensor turret under the port wing tank, and missile launch rail further outboard.
This VMGR-352 KC-130J is the first to be fitted with the Harvest Hawk system. Note the sensor turret under the port wing tank, and missile launch rail further outboard.

Last month the U.S. Navy completed Phase One testing of a U.S. Marine Corps HC-130J Hercules outfitted with the Harvest Hawk system, which gives the tanker/transports weapons capability. Following initial tests at Patuxent River, Maryland, the HC-130J departed for further tests at China Lake in California, in preparation for an initial deployment to Afghanistan in the summer. 

Harvest Hawk is a roll-on, roll-off system that comprises a fire control console in the aircraft's hold, and a target sight sensor (TSS) mounted in the rear of the port underwing fuel tank. The TSS is the Lockheed Martin AAS-30 turret used in the Corps' AH-1Z Cobras.

Loading…