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2021-03-01
Elbit Delivers Upgraded Hercules C-130HI
The delivery of the 8th and final upgraded Hercules C-130HI (Karnaf) by Elbit Systems marks a successful avionic upgrade programme led the international high technology company.
The cockpit underwent major changes. The old systems that display essential information were replaced with new cutting edge screens.
The 131st (“Yellow Bird”) Squadron is actually wrapping up the avionic enhancement process for “Karnaf”, which began years ago.
The idea of putting the “Karnaf” through an avionic enhancement process came up in discussions at the Israeli Air Force (IAF) headquarters way back in February 2008.
When the time came to renew the planes, which have been part of the IAF’s fleet since the early 1970s, some were replaced by the “Shimshon” (Super Hercules C-130J) and the rest underwent avionic enhancement that entailed the implementation of new systems.
The first Karnaf began the process in 2015, with Elbit Systems responsible for avionics and The IAI (Israeli Aerospace Industries) for maintenance and replacing the central wing.
Tricky situation
The squadron was required to continue carrying out its missions throughout the entire upgrade process, which itself is a challenging feat.
As Lt. Col. (Res.) A, former 131st Squadron Commander outlined: “We couldn’t take a break from our operational activity. The ‘Karnaf’ is used for many tactical transport missions such as transporting equipment, low-altitude flights, and refuelling CH-53 helicopters - a task that is unique to our squadron. Concurrent to the enhancement process, the 103rd (“Elephants”) Squadron was closed to integrate the new ‘Shimshon’ aircraft, so the majority of their heavy transport missions were given to us.”
In 2017, the 131st Squadron divided into two departments - one operated the old “Karnaf” planes, while the other focused on accommodating the squadron for the new “Avionic Karnaf”.
“The squadron took a two week break in order to prepare and create an integration team that will adapt the flight doctrine to the new platform”, explained Lt. Col. (Res.) A.
A few years later, the 131st Squadron finished enhancing eight “Karnaf” aircraft at Elbit Systems.
Maj. Mordi, commander of the transport plane department at the Nevatim maintenance squadron elaborated: “It was a complex project - taking a Karnaf that has been operational for nearly half a century, and introducing it to a new generation. We managed to combine past with future, while maintaining the squadron’s strong heritage.”
Cutting Edge
What exactly makes the avionic “Karnaf” such an advanced platform?
What exactly makes the avionic “Karnaf” such an advanced platform?
Lt. Y, an aircrew member in the squadron explained: “The old Karnaf couldn’t meet the required missions and challenges that face aircrews in 2021. Many new functions were added to the flight platform. The cockpit underwent a complete makeover and turned into a ‘glass cockpit’ - the old systems that display essential information such as flight path, engine status, radar, weather conditions and more, were replaced with new cutting edge screens.”
Additionally, a Head-up display (HUD) similar to that of fighter jets was added. The HUD is a glass board that displays the flight information in the pilot’s direct viewpoint.
Lt. Col. (Res.) A., and Maj. A., the 131st Squadron’s Technical Officer, adds: “The enhancement process has brought the ‘Karnaf’, a senior flight platform, to the cutting-edge of technology. It became an advanced aircraft equipped with unique and tactical transport capabilities, suited to the challenges of our operational arena”.
Safer, More Efficient
The process had a great impact on the 131st Squadron and the IAF’s Heavy Transport Division as a whole.
“Currently, flight data is displayed in a visually appealing way. The pilot can adjust the data display to the relevant scenario optimally through versatile settings. We have systems that enable information sharing between different aircraft in a joint formation - I could send flight paths and potential threats to my wingman, and the navigator flying with me could also transfer data to my screen”, details Capt. Y.
“The HUD improves flight safety since we can see at data mid-flight without looking away. Our weather radar enables us to perform missions in tougher conditions than before. The new upgrades allow for more effective night and low-altitude flying,“ he added.
“This enhancement process took an excellent plane and made it even better - in operational capabilities, precision, flight safety, and potential. This unique project was done successfully through excellent cooperation between Elbit Systems, the IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries), and various IAF factors”, concluded Lt. Col. Y, the current Commander of the 131st Squadron.
The refurbished C-130 has performed a myriad of missions across the globe, from India to Alaska.
Reference Text/Photo:
(Photo credit: Amit Agronov)
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