SD Government (SDG), the government services division of satellite communications provider Gogo, has received US Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) T-1 certification for its roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) Beyond Line of Sight Tactical Removable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) capability for C-130 aircraft.
The certification clears the TRASC system for operational use across C-130 variants within the AMC fleet and enables immediate adoption by partner commands and allied operators. According to SDG, the approval allows C-130 operators to deploy multiple satellite communications options, starting with Gogo’s Plane Simple Ku-band terminal, with Ka-band and additional network compatibilities to follow.
The RO/RO TRASC system is housed within a hatch designed to match the original Lockheed L-382 outer mould line, making it compatible with all C-130 variants. Electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility testing has been completed on the C-130J Block 6 and Block 8 aircraft, as well as the legacy C-130H, supporting fleet-wide interoperability.
The AMC T-1 Military Flight Release also enables sister US commands and partner nations, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand, to implement the capability without additional certification, reducing integration timelines and costs. SDG said the approval is expected to benefit aircraft variants that would otherwise require extensive independent testing.
The TRASC solution was developed in collaboration with R4 Integration, which designed and patented the Multi-Purpose Hatch System that replaces the standard forward escape hatch on the C-130. The system integrates a Gogo Plane Simple terminal and is designed for installation in under 30 minutes, allowing aircraft to be rapidly equipped with global broadband connectivity.
Beyond the AMC fleet, SDG said the RO/RO TRASC capability is suitable for foreign military sales, civilian cargo operators and international C-130 units, as well as other US services including Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, the US Marine Corps, the US Navy and the US Coast Guard.
“This capability gives military operators much-needed situational awareness to support global command and control,” said Hayden Olson, Executive Vice President of SDG. “It significantly improves connectivity and resilience across all C-130 variants during both training and operational missions.”
Photo: SDG enabling RO/RO TRASC capability for C-130 variants
