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
PTC rectangle

“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
HMS Active completes float off feat

Defence Events

HMS Active completes float off feat

30 March 2026

Building on the momentum of February's dual milestone event at Babcock’s Rosyth site, the Type 31 frigate programme has reached another significant stage, with HMS Active completing the float-off process.

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

Defence

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

30 March 2026

Lockheed Martin has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 1 member which will see it collaborate on core research, capabilities and investments and play a key role in managing projects that address some of the pressing challenges being faced by defence industry supply chains.

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

Defence

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

30 March 2026

The Royal Navy is stepping up its mine hunting capabilities with new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment being added to RFA Lyme Bay in the coming days.

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

Defence

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

30 March 2026

British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet earlier this month, after 70 years of service.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
James Heappey joins NAD Board

Defence

James Heappey joins NAD Board

30 March 2026

Former British Minister of State for the Armed Forces from 2020 to 2024 The Rt Hon Major James Heappey has joined the board of Swedish defence tech startup Nordic Air Defence (NAD), developers of the K100XR drone interceptor for civilian and military use.

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

Defence

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

27 March 2026

BAE Systems and Scale AI have announced a strategic relationship agreement to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities in support of the US Department of War’s (DoW) high-stakes mission environments and operational platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner