Aircraft
Spirit Offers Cost-Saving C-130H Upgrade
MRO eyes unfulfilled U.S. requirement. Meanwhile, Israel’s own C-130H upgrade takes to the air
Coincidentally, as Spirit Aeronautics joined the ranks of potential C-130H upgraders, the first one to be modified in Israel flew. (Phoro: IAF via Elbit Systems)
Coincidentally, as Spirit Aeronautics joined the ranks of potential C-130H upgraders, the first one to be modified in Israel flew. (Phoro: IAF via Elbit Systems)

Spirit Aeronautics is the latest company to offer an avionics upgrade for aging Lockheed C-130H Hercules airlifters. The Columbus,Ohio-based MRO says that it has created a modernization path that uses commercially proven, FAA-approved systems. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) flew the first of its C-130Hs to be upgraded in cooperation with Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).