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
General Atomics LB
Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

Defence Events

Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

19 May 2026

At the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough today, Navantia UK unveiled its large autonomous surface vessel - LASV75 - as an example of the hi-tech capabilities of its four yards, which are undergoing large-scale modernisation.

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

Defence

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

19 May 2026

QinetiQ has been awarded a contract from the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group to put the British Army’s newly contracted Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) next generation artillery system through rigorous tests to ensure it is safe to use on operations.

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard