AVIONICS SYSTEMS FOR C-130 AIRCRAFT.

SEC. 143. AVIONICS SYSTEMS FOR C-130 AIRCRAFT. (a) Limitations.— (1) Avionics modernization program.—The Secretary of the Air Force may not take any action to cancel or modify the avionics modernization program for C-130 aircraft until a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the cost-benefit analysis conducted under subsection (b)(1). (2) CNS/ATM program.— (A) In general.—The Secretary may not take any action described in subparagraph (B) until a period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the cost-benefit analysis conducted under subsection (b)(1). (B) Covered actions.—An action described in this subparagraph is an action to begin an alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program for C-130 aircraft that is designed or intended— (i) to meet international communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management standards for the fleet of C-130 aircraft; or (ii) to replace the current avionics modernization program for the C-130 aircraft. (b) Cost-Benefit Analysis.— (1) FFRDC.—The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Institute for Defense Analyses to conduct an independent cost-benefit analysis that compares the following alternatives: (A) Upgrading and modernizing the legacy C-130 airlift fleet using the C-130 avionics modernization program. (B) Upgrading and modernizing the legacy C-130 airlift fleet using a reduced scope program for avionics and mission planning systems. (2) Matters included.—The cost-benefit analysis conducted under paragraph (1) shall take into account— (A) the effect of life-cycle costs for— (i) adopting each of the alternatives described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); and (ii) supporting C-130 aircraft that are not upgraded or modernized; and (B) the costs associated with the potential upgrades to avionics and mission systems that may be required for legacy C-130 aircraft to remain relevant and mission effective in the future.