Derco has an extensive history of developing modular avionics systems specifically for aircraft used in the role of civil and military transport, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and specific military operations. These systems are based on integrated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) subsystems available from Derco. These subsystems, when integrated together into a cohesive operating system, can provide aircraft with highly advanced systems capable of a multitude of functions. 

Why Upgrade?

Obsolescence
Derco is aware that aging aircraft systems present serious challenges to aircraft operators. Radar, navigation, and communication systems with poor MTBFs will often cause missions to be aborted or create AOG situations. Derco can recommend system upgrades that remove system degraders and improve operational availability that is cost effective over the life cycle of the aircraft.

Mission Requirements
As aircraft operators find they require their aircraft to perform different missions or have operations that their aircraft cannot perform; Derco is able to work with operators to define mission requirement specifications and assist in determining an upgrade or modification that will provide new capabilities including fire fighting missions, search and rescue, and air to air refueling.

Regulatory
As a function of both Civil Aviation Authority and technological improvements, new aircraft equipment and airspace regulations are evolving on a routine basis. Derco can help customers identify these regulations and present solutions for compliance.

Maintenance
Improvements in aircraft avionics design and manufacturing have emphasized on reducing aircraft downtime and lowering maintenance cost. Today, electronics are built with internal test features and have significantly lower rates of Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). In most cases, newer installations also have a reduced number of LRUs and also a significant reduction of electrical wiring.

Avionics
All avionics programs proposed by Derco are state-of-the-art, off-the-shelf systems that are in production for advanced aircraft programs throughout the world.  During each of the accomplished programs, Derco has either performed the upgrade in-house or teamed with various installation facilities to provide the most efficient method for the upgrade/modification of the aircraft involved.  By teaming with different installation facilities, Derco is able to accomplish the modification close to the customers’ location and provide the technical capabilities to the host installation facility to allow it to accomplish future aircraft modifications.

Derco is a proven source of high quality, on time, aircraft modifications, and avionics upgrades while staying within the customer’s budget.  Derco’s past and present performance clearly validates the company as the low risk contractor to successfully execute C-130 refurbishment and modification program.

Structural Component Replacement and Upgrade
Derco works with operators to help them manage the structural integrity of their aircraft. During heavy maintenance, it may be appropriate to replace various components in order to maximize the remaining life on the aircraft and reduce the occurrences of any costly and operationally disruptive unscheduled maintenance. Derco is able to provide assistance in the development of statement of works or provide kits for C-130 Major Structural programs. Reducing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and increasing the service life of the aircraft are the major advantages that result from a structural replacement program – increasing operational mission readiness and extending the service life of the aircraft.

Additionally, Derco is able to recommend processes to provide corrosion control and repair of aging C-130 fleets to supplement the existing OEM SMP 515B corrosion control program. As corrosion is a significant maintenance problem, this will save operators significant money and help extend the life of their aircraft. Derco utilizes the newest materials, protective coatings, inspection techniques, and other processes to reduce the impact of corrosion on aircraft structures.

Mechanical
Derco offers a multitude of mechanical upgrades to lower operating costs, reduce scheduled maintenance, provide increased reliability, and better future supportability. 

GTC to APU - produces a modern high capacity electrical and pneumatic auxiliary power source, which is substantially more reliable and durable, and much less costly to operate and maintain

Multi-Disk Brake upgrade - improves aircraft ground control and maximizes braking efficiency, with improved anti-skid capability, reduction in the risk of brake fires, which ultimately leads to safer C-130 operations in the event of a flexible hose failure.

Cargo Handling System - provides an automatic, semi-permanent, floor-mounted rail-restraint system made specifically for the C-130 aircraft. A rail-type cargo handling system provides greater expediency in air logistics and delivery.

Environmental Cooling System - installation of this upgrade provides improved cooling capabilities for aging aircraft. The design of the original Environmental Control System (ECS) on pre 1974 C-130 aircraft is insufficient in meeting the cooling demands of aircraft personnel and today’s sophisticated electronic equipment.

Engine Upgrade - provides improved mission availability and maintainability.  The advantage of an upgraded engine from T56-A-7B to T56-A-15 is increased reliability and available power, increased availability of spare parts, and decreased fuel consumption. An aircraft with an upgraded engine reduces maintenance requirements and improves load carrying abilities and takeoff performance. 

On-Board Oxygen Generating System - installation of an Onboard Oxygen Gas System eliminates the need to carry large quantities of gas or liquid oxygen on board the aircraft, which is detrimental to aircraft safety in hostile environments.  This upgrade improves aircraft safety and eliminates the potential of running out of oxygen on long missions.

Past Performance
Derco offers a variety of customer specific technical solutions for a wide range of aircraft modifications and upgrades, Derco is able to provide a compliant and reliable solution.  Derco will partner with it’s customers throughout the design, modification, installation, and testing process ensuring a low risk, time efficient program.