Sierra Nevada wins contract for ski-equipped LC-130J design

Sierra Nevada has received a contract worth about $32 million from the US Air Force to design a modification kit that would convert standard XC-130J aircraft into ski-equipped LC-130Js. The sole-source, firm-fixed-price award was announced on 1 September.

The work involves design, development, and analysis of a post-production modification kit, with activities running until March 2028. Sierra Nevada will perform the contract at its Colorado Springs facilities, according to a Department of War contract notice.

The US Air Force has a long-standing requirement to replace its LC-130 Skibird aircraft, which are derived from the H-model Hercules and used for resupply flights in Arctic and Antarctic regions. Currently, 10 of these adapted transports are in active service. All are operated by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing.