Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Nova Systems wins Super Hercules operational test contract

Defence

Nova Systems wins Super Hercules operational test contract

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“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.
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

Aerospace Defence

Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

17 April 2026

Woking headquartered Vision Engineering Group, provider of ergonomic microscopy and metrology solutions, has announced the appointment of Harry Curtis to the position of Technical Director, effective 1st April 2026.

Drone swarms central to AWE26

Defence Events

Drone swarms central to AWE26

17 April 2026

Drones have been at the centre of this year's Army Warfighting Experiment 2026, which each year brings together soldiers, scientists, industry and universities, to test new military technology.

Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

Defence

Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

17 April 2026

In a ‘real life’ scenario played out in an empty shopping unit, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has tested the ability of robotic and autonomous systems to navigate through a building and detect, sample and remediate (clean) a contaminated environment.

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

Defence Events

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

17 April 2026

The QinetiQ operated ETPS test pilot school based at MoD Boscombe Down has taken part in the historic Spitfire90 commemorative tour, as the only civilian-registered participants in the nine-day national flight schedule.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

Defence

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

16 April 2026

Systematic has introduced within SitaWare Headquarters 6.22, a dedicated Targeting Application that brings the targeting process into the same C4ISR environment used for operational planning, situational awareness and mission execution.

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

Defence

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

16 April 2026

Thales has launched its TopStar Smart Receiver, a three-in-one ultra-compact solution providing land forces with resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities, while maintaining radio communications in increasingly contested electronic warfare environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner