A dispute has broken out between the Turkish air force and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) over the content of an upgrade package for the former's Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports.
The $14 million, seven aircraft, deal was signed last year but in recent months the Turkish air force has demanded changes to the upgrade package. IAI sources say they include systems that are not an integral part of the package.
The upgrade consists of a mission computer, multifunction displays and associated software developed using experience gained from Israeli air force C-130 operations.
IAI claims that the avionics package is more advanced than that in the C-130Jand that it has growth potential to allow integration with future datalinks aimed at allowing the military transport to make use of civil free-flight regulations.
Source: Flight International