Nova Systems wins Super Hercules operational test contract

Posted on 9 April, 2024 by Advance 

Nova Systems International will support the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) with Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of C130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Image courtesy RNoAF

This is a major milestone for the company that supports operational capability delivery for the RNoAF and builds on the existing contracts with Norwegian Government departments.

Operational Flight Test and Evaluation and Introduction-into-Service Support are part of Nova Systems’ core offerings, which the company has been providing in Norway since 2015.

Nova Systems provides expertise that helps determine whether an aircraft and their systems are fit for purpose, safe and contractually compliant and provides advice in utilisation and the opportunity to highlight any shortfalls discovered during testing.

“We are delighted with the award of C130J OT&E as it is our first fixed wing project in Norway,” said Martin Alknes, General Manager for Norway.

“We will be providing a team who will work alongside 335 Squadron RNoAF in Gardermoen drawn from across Nova Systems International.

“The team will include a Project Manager, Test Pilot, Flight Test Engineers, Data Manager and ILS/Technical Consultant. Our team brings considerable operational knowledge and C130J type specific experience, along with solid Flight Test and Operational Evaluation backgrounds.

“This team composite will support RNoAF requirement to ensure that the newly updated aircraft and its systems meets the operational role and can be safely introduced into service with the required maintainability and supportability.

“Nova Systems has one of the largest flight test capabilities outside of aircraft manufacturers and government test organisations. We can provide truly independent, operationally-focused test evidence, on which clients can assess risk and provide a sound basis for their acquisition and capability decisions.”

The C130J aircraft are a vital part of the RNoAF fleet and provide strategic airlift and tactical insertion of both cargo and personnel for Norwegian armed forces and NATO.

Nova Systems’ other work in Norway includes Test and Evaluation training to RNoAF, Visure Requirements management software implementation and update support to NDMA, Orbital Launch Risk Management support to Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and SME support to Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger.

Nova Systems in Norway also supports the European Defence Agency with Critical Maritime Infrastructure Studies.