Ramp up for 130 Amp.

Boeing has begun training of flight crews and maintenance personnel in preparation for the arrival of the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (Amp) aircraft, which are scheduled to be fielded in 2010. The training courses focus on the Amp's new avionics systems and the operational procedures involved. The two-week intensive training programme has schooled over 100 US Air Force personnel to date. Ground and flight testing of the first modernised aircraft is currently underway at Boeing's Training Support Center in Universal City, Texas. The C-130 Amp will feature enhanced digital avionics that provide a ten-fold increase in situational awareness over the old analogue cockpits. The Amp will also receive a proven flight management system to meet Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management requirements, which in turn will allow worldwide deployment.