View source for Lockheed EC-130

{{Short description|1975 electronic warfare aircraft series by Lockheed}}
{{Redirect|EC-130|the Eurocopter helicopter|Eurocopter EC130|the Friden desktop electronic calculator|Friden EC-130}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = EC-130
| image = File:EC-130J Commando Solo- 193rd.jpg
| caption = The EC-130J Commando Solo with its distinctive tail antenna.
| type = Airborne Communications Jamming (EC-130H)<br/>Psychological and Information Operations (EC-130J)<br/>Airborne Command and Communications post [[TACAMO]] (EC-130Q)
| manufacturer = [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed Aircraft Co.]] <br/>[[Lockheed Martin]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 
| introduction = 1975
| number_built = 14 EC-130H<br>7 EC-130J
| status = Active
| primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
| more_users = 
| retired = 
| developed_from = [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] <br> [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules]]
| variants = [[Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call]]
| developed_into = [[Lockheed E-130J|Lockheed Martin E-130J]]
}}

The '''Lockheed Martin EC-130''' series comprises several slightly different versions of the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] that have been and continue to be operated by the [[U.S. Air Force]] and, until the 1990s, the [[U.S. Navy]].

The '''EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center''' (ABCCC) was based on a basic C-130E platform and provided tactical airborne command post capabilities to air commanders and ground commanders in low air threat environments.  The EC-130E ABCCC aircraft were retired in 2002 and the mission was 'migrated' to the [[JSTARS|E-8 JSTARS]] and [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|E-3 AWACS]] fleets.

The '''EC-130E Commando Solo''' was an earlier version of a [[U.S. Air Force]] and [[Air National Guard]] [[psychological warfare|psychological operations]] (PSYOPS) aircraft and this aircraft also employed a C-130E airframe, but was modified by using the mission electronic equipment from the retired [[EC-121 Warning Star|EC-121S Coronet Solo]] aircraft.  This airframe served during the first [[Gulf War]] (Operation Desert Storm), [[Operation Uphold Democracy]], the second Gulf War (Operation [[Iraqi Freedom]]) and in Operation [[Enduring Freedom]].  The EC-130E was eventually replaced by the EC-130J Commando Solo and retired in 2006.

Based on a C-130H airframe, the '''[[Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call|EC-130H Compass Call]]''' is an airborne communications jamming platform operated by the [[Air Combat Command]]'s (ACC) [[55th Electronic Combat Group]] (55 ECG) at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], [[Tucson, Arizona]].  The EC-130 Compass Call aircraft attempts to disrupt enemy command and control communications and limits adversary coordination essential for enemy force management.  The Compass Call system employs offensive counterinformation and electronic attack capabilities in support of U.S. and Coalition tactical air, surface, and [[special forces|special operations forces]].  The EC-130H was used extensively in the [[Gulf War]] and Operation [[Iraqi Freedom]], disrupting Iraqi communications at both the strategic and tactical levels.  It has also been used in Operation [[Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan and [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]].<ref name=EC-130Hfacts>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104550/ec-130h-compass-call/|access-date=9 March 2020|title=EC-130H Compass Call}}</ref>

The '''EC-130J Commando Solo''' is a modified [[C-130J Super Hercules]] used to conduct [[Psychological Operations (United States)|psychological operations]] (PSYOP) and civil affairs broadcast missions in the standard [[AM broadcasting|AM]], [[frequency modulation|FM]], [[high frequency|HF]], TV and military communications bands. Missions are flown at the maximum altitudes possible to provide optimum propagation patterns. The EC-130J flies during either day or night scenarios with equal success, and is air-refuelable. A typical mission consists of a single-ship orbit which is offset from the desired target audience. The targets may be either military or civilian personnel.  The Commando Solo is operated exclusively by the [[Air National Guard]], specifically the [[193rd Special Operations Wing]] (193 SOW), a unit of the [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]] operationally gained by the [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC).  The 193 SOW is based at the '''Harrisburg Air National Guard Base''' (former [[Harrisburg International Airport|Olmstead AFB]]) at [[Harrisburg International Airport]] in [[Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania|Middletown]], [[Pennsylvania]].<ref name=EC-130Jfacts>{{cite web|title=EC-130J Commando Solo|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104535/ec-130j-commando-solo/|website=U.S. Air Force|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

The [[U.S. Navy]]'s '''EC-130Q Hercules''' [[TACAMO]] ("Take Charge And Move Out") aircraft was a land-based naval aviation platform that served as a [[Single Integrated Operational Plan|SIOP]] strategic communications link aircraft for the U.S. Navy's [[Fleet Ballistic Missile]] (FBM) submarine force and as a backup communications link for the USAF manned strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces.  To ensure survivability, TACAMO operated as a solo platform, well away from and not interacting with other major naval forces such as sea-based aircraft carrier strike groups and their carrier air wings or land-based maritime patrol aircraft.  Operated by Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3) and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR (VQ-4), the EC-130Q was replaced by the U.S. Navy's current TACAMO platform, the [[Boeing 707]]-based [[E-6 Mercury]].

in December 2020 ([[Fiscal year|Fiscal Year]] 2021), the US Navy announced that it awarded a contract to [[Lockheed Martin]] for the purchase the C-130J-30 Hercules as testbed for the [[TACAMO]] mission <ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=21 December 2020 |title=US Navy to field C-130J-30 in nuclear communications role |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-to-field-c-130j-30-in-nuclear-communications-role |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028053806/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-to-field-c-130j-30-in-nuclear-communications-role |archive-date=28 October 2023 |access-date=30 October 2023 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> The aircraft selection represents a return to the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]] platform by the Navy, which for years used the EC-130Q (an older variant despite the higher letter) for the TACAMO mission from 1963 until 1993.

In October 2024, the US Navy announced that the new C-130J-30-based TACAMO mission aircraft will be designated [[Lockheed Martin E-130J|E-130J]].<ref>{{Cite news |work=NAVAIR News |date=Oct 21, 2024 |title=TACAMO community announces name for new mission aircraft: E-130J |url=https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/TACAMO-community-announces-name-new-mission-aircraft-E-130J/Mon-10212024-1046}}</ref> It will replace the currently operational [[E-6 Mercury]] in the near future.

==Design and development==
[[File:EC-130E PA ANG over Harrisburg 1980.JPEG|thumb|A Pennsylvania ANG EC-130E in 1980.]]
The EC-130E Commando Solo entered service in 1978 as the EC-130E Coronet Solo with the [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC). In 1983 the Coronet Solo's mission was transferred to the [[Military Airlift Command]] (MAC) and redesignated the EC-130E Volant Solo.  With the formation of [[Air Force Special Operations Command]], the mission was transferred to AFSOC and redesignated Commando Solo.  Operations were consolidated under a single-AFSOC gained unit, the [[193d Special Operations Wing]] (193 SOW) of the [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]]. In the early 1990s the aircraft were upgraded and designated Commando Solo II. The EC-130E variants were replaced with new EC-130J Commando Solo III aircraft built by [[Lockheed Martin]] beginning in 2003.

Highly specialized modifications have been made to the latest version of the EC-130J (Commando Solo III). Included in these mods are enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, and the capability of broadcasting color television on a multitude of worldwide standards throughout the TV VHF/UHF ranges.

Secondary missions include command and control communications countermeasures (C3CM) and limited intelligence gathering. The three variants are EC-130 ABCCC, EC-130E Commando Solo, and the EC-130J Commando Solo. The version currently in service is the EC-130J, as the last EC-130E was retired from service in 2006.

The USAF plans to begin replacing the 15 EC-130H Compass Call aircraft in 2020 with a commercial airframe transplanted with the Compass Call's electronic gear. In September 2017, the Air Force announced that [[L3 Technologies]] will serve as the lead systems integrator for a future Compass Call aircraft based on the [[Gulfstream G550]] business jet.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/09/08/l3-gets-compass-call-contract-names-gulfstream-as-airframe-provider/ | date = 8 September 2017 | title = L3 gets Compass Call contract, names Gulfstream as airframe provider | first = Valerie | last = Insinna | work = Defense News | publisher = Sightline Media Group}}</ref> The new Compass Call platform was designated as EA-37B by [[Air Combat Command]] on November 14, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title= EC-37B Mission Design Series designation change to EA-37B |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3588046/ec-37b-mission-design-series-designation-change-to-ea-37b/ |website=Air Combat Command |date=14 November 2023 |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tirpak |first1=John A. |title=New EC-37B Gets a Designation Change to EA-37B |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-ec-37b-designation-change-ea-37b/ |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=20 November 2023 |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Interior of an EC-130J Commando Solo Mar 2003.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Military personnel assigned to the [[4th Psychological Operations Group]], [[193d Special Operations Wing]], Pennsylvania Air National Guard broadcast television and radio programming from on board an EC-130E aircraft, in support of [[Iraq War|Operation Iraqi Freedom]].]]

Entering service with the [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC), the EC-130E Commando Solo was originally modified by using the mission electronic equipment from the [[EC-121 Warning Star|EC-121S Coronet Solo]]. Soon after the then-193rd Special Operations Group received its EC-130s, the unit participated in the rescue of US citizens in [[Operation Urgent Fury]], acting as an airborne radio station informing those people on [[Grenada]] of the US military action. In 1989, the EC-130 Commando Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in [[Operation Just Cause]], again broadcasting continuously throughout the initial phases of the operation to help end the [[Manuel Noriega]] regime. In 1990, the EC-130E joined the newly formed [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] ([[AFSOC]]) and has since been designated Commando Solo, with no change in mission.
[[File:193d Special Operations Wing - C-130s.jpg|thumb|An EC-130E Commando Solo and EC-130J Commando Solo of the [[193d Special Operations Wing|193rd Special Operations Wing]] from [[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]].]]
More recently, in 1994, the EC-130E Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and television messages to the citizens and leaders of [[Haiti]] during [[Operation Uphold Democracy]]. The EC-130s deployed early in the operation, highlighting the importance of PSYOP in avoiding military and civilian casualties. President Aristide was featured on the broadcasts which contributed significantly to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.

The aircraft was also deployed during the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], broadcasting a recording from [[Raymond Joseph]] (Haiti's ambassador to the United States) warning residents not to attempt to flee to the United States by sea.  The aircraft also broadcast announcements of where earthquake victims can go for food and aid, news from [[Voice of America]], and instructions on hygiene procedures to prevent disease.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/19/haiti.broadcast.warning/index.html?hpt=T2
 |title=Radio station in the sky warns Haitians not to attempt boat voyage
 |date=19 January 2010
 |access-date=19 January 2010
 |publisher=[[CNN]]
}}</ref>

On the second day of [[Operation Odyssey Dawn]], an EC-130J warned Libyan shipping "Libyan ships or vessels do not leave port, the Gaddafi regime forces are violating a United Nations resolution ordering the end to the hostilities in your country. If you attempt to leave port, you will be attacked and destroyed immediately. For your own safety do not leave port."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/secret-libya-psyops/|title=Listen: Secret Libya Psyops, Caught by Online Sleuths|magazine=Wired|date=20 March 2011}}</ref> The unencrypted message in Arabic, French and English was recorded by a [[ham radio]] operator in the [[Netherlands]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ham-operator-reveals-us-psyops-broadcast/story-e6frfku0-1226025610252|title=Ham operator reveals US 'psyops' broadcast|publisher=AFP/News|date=21 March 2011}}</ref>

The EC-130 has been flown in operations against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] in Iraq to jam their communications.<ref name="airforcetimes4may17">{{cite web
  | last = Losey
  | first = Stephen
  | title = A new Compass Call: The Air Force is replacing its Vietnam-era electronic warfare planes
  | work = [[Air Force Times]]
  | date = 4 May 2017
| url = https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/a-new-compass-call-the-air-force-is-replacing-its-vietnam-era-electronic-warfare-planes
  | accessdate = 22 December 2021 }}</ref>

==Variants==
{{expand section|date=November 2018}}
[[File:EC-130Q TACAMO VQ-4 in flight 1984.jpg|thumb|right|A [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] [[TACAMO]] EC-130Q of VQ-4, in 1984.]]
;EC-130E ABCCC : Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center variant. Retired in 2002. Operated by the [[7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron|7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron]], later by the [[42nd Electronic Combat Squadron|42nd Airborne Command and Control Squadron]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://warriorlodge.com/pages/lockheed-ec-130|access-date=10 April 2020|title=LOCKHEED EC-130}}</ref>
;EC-130E Commando Solo : Operated in the airborne radio and television broadcast mission from 1980. Replaced by EC-130J Commando Solo III aircraft in 2004.<ref name=EC-130Jfacts/>
;EC-130E Rivet Rider : A version of the Commando Solo.<ref>[http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/89729/ec-130e-commando-solo.html EC-130E Commando Solo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310102324/http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/89729/ec-130e-commando-solo.html |date=10 March 2012 }}. military.com</ref> Modifications include: VHF and UHF Worldwide format color TV, vertical trailing wire antenna, infra-red countermeasures [chaff/flare dispensers plus infrared jammers], fire suppressant foam in fuel tank, radar warning receiver, self-contained navigation system. The modification added a pair of underwing pylon mounted 23X6 foot equipment pods, along with X-antennae mounted on both sides of the vertical fin.<ref name=75FSbio>{{cite web|url=http://media.leeds.ac.uk/papers/vp01bc0c.html|access-date=9 April 2020|title=PSYOP Equipment by FAS}}</ref>
;EC-130G: four U.S. Navy C-130G (USAF C-130E) fitted with VLF transmitters to provide communications with ballistic missile submarines. Operational from December 1963 to August 1993<ref name=OLD_TACAMOfacts>{{cite web|url=http://www.vaq34.com/oldtacamo/|access-date=10 April 2020|title=OLD_TACAMO}}</ref>[[File:EC-130J Commando Solo-193rd2020(cropped).png|thumb|EC-130J Commando Solo from the 193rd Special Operations Squadron takes flight from [[Harrisburg Air National Guard Base]]]]
;[[EC-130H Compass Call]] : Electronic Warfare variant. Its system disrupts enemy command and control communications. Employs offensive counterinformation and electronic attack capabilities. Used by the [[55th Electronic Combat Group]], [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]].<ref name=EC-130Hfacts/>
;EC-130J Commando Solo III : A modified [[C-130J Hercules]] used to conduct [[Psychological Operations (United States)|psychological operations]] (PSYOP) and civil affairs broadcast missions in the standard AM, FM, HF, TV, and military communications bands. Operated by the [[193rd Special Operations Wing]], [[Pennsylvania Air National Guard]].<ref name=EC-130Jfacts/> The EC-130J Commando Solo is a modified C-130J used for broadcast and psyops, while the EC-130J Super J is a modified C-130J used for special operations forces mobility and psyops. Operational from 2003 to Sept. 17, 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/09/19/ec-130j-final-broadcast/ | title=EC-130J Psychological Warfare Aircraft Performs Final Broadcast | date=19 September 2022 }}</ref> As part of AFSOC's multimission fleet consolidation the [[MC-130J Commando II]] is replacing both Commando Solo and Super-J.
;EC-130Q : U.S. Navy version of the C-130H, fitted with VLF transmitters to provide communications with ballistic missile submarines. 18 were built. Operational from December 1963 to August 1993<ref name=OLD_TACAMOfacts/>
;EC-130V : [[Airborne early warning and control]] variant used by [[USCG]] for counter-narcotics missions in 1991.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/ec-130v.htm "Lockheed EC-130V Hercules."] ''Military Analysis Network, Federation of American Scientists,'' 10 February 1998. Retrieved 2 October 2010.</ref> It was used by the U.S. Navy 1992–1994 and then by the USAF as NC-130H.

==Aircraft on display==
;EC-130Q USN BuNo 159348, c/n 4601
:[[TACAMO]] IV, ops with [[VQ-4]], July 1975 – July 1988; modified to TC-130Q, ops with VR-22, [[VXE-6]]; to [[Tinker AFB]] with VQ-3, VQ-4, "hack" aircraft as of December 1995. On static display at Naval Air Facility, [[Tinker AFB]], Oklahoma by March 1997, same, July 2013.
;EC-130E USAF Ser. No. 62-1857
:[[Operation Eagle Claw]] Republic 5 aircraft. On static display at the [[Carolinas Aviation Museum]] October 2013.
;EC-130E USAF Ser. No. 63-7773 "Triple Cripple"
:On static display at [[Fort Indiantown Gap]], Annville PA.

==Specifications (EC-130J)==
[[File:Lockheed Martin EC-130J Line Drawing.svg|350px|thumb|'''EC-130J Commando Solo III''' line drawing]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010–11,<ref name=JAWA2012-11>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010–11 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2010 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn= 978-0710629166 |edition=101st |pages=844–847}}</ref> US Air Force Factsheet<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=182 |title=Factsheets: EC-130J Commando Solo |access-date=21 August 2009 |publisher=United States Air Force |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412004402/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=182 |archive-date=12 April 2010 }}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=6<big>+</big> (Pilot, CoPilot, combat systems officer, mission communications commander; loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators)
|capacity=
|length ft=97
|length in=9
|length note=
|span ft=132
|span in=7.2
|span note=
|height ft=38
|height in=10
|height note=
|wing area sqft=1745
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=10.1
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A318]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A412]]
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=175000
|max takeoff weight note=<br>
*'''Max landing weight (normal)''': {{cvt|130000|lb|0}}
*'''Max landing weight (overload)''': {{cvt|155000|lb|0}}
|fuel capacity={{cvt|6750|USgal|impgal l}} without suppressant foam; {{cvt|6436|USgal|impgal l}} with suppressant foam
::::optionally with 2x {{cvt|13790|USgal|impgal l}} under-wing tanks without suppressant foam; 2x {{cvt|1290|USgal|impgal l}} under-wing tanks with suppressant foam
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3]]
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engines
|eng1 shp=4591
|eng1 note=(de-rated from {{cvt|4637|shp|0}} at {{cvt|25|C|0}}

|prop blade number=6
|prop name=[[Dowty Propellers]] R391 
|prop dia ft=13
|prop dia in=6
|prop dia note=constant-speed fully-feathering reversible composite propellers
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kts=348
|cruise speed note=max. at {{cvt|28000|ft|0}}
:::{{cvt|339|kn|mph km/h}} econ.
|stall speed kts=100
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=2300
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=30560
|ceiling note=at {{cvt|147000|lb|0}}
*'''Service ceiling one engine inoperative:''' {{cvt|22820|ft|0}}
|climb rate ftmin=2100
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude={{cvt|20000|ft|0}} in 14 minutes
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/weight=

|more performance=<br/>
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|3050|ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt|4700|ft|0}}
*'''Take-off run (maximum effort):''' {{cvt|1800|ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt|1400|ft|0}} at {{cvt|130000|lb|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt|2550|ft|0}} at {{cvt|130000|lb|0}}

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed AC-130]]
* [[Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call]]
* [[Lockheed HC-130]]
* [[Lockheed MC-130]]
* [[Lockheed WC-130]]
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
* [[List of accidents and incidents involving the Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lockheed EC-130 Hercules}}
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/ec-130e.htm EC-130E Commando Solo]
* [http://www.psywarrior.com/ec130.html EC-130]
* [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104535/ec-130j-commando-solo/ Factsheets: EC-130J Commando Solo]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqH0ifrbQM Video of receiving Commando Solo transmission to Libya]

{{Lockheed Hercules}}
{{Lockheed}}
{{USAF transports}}

[[Category:Lockheed aircraft|C-130, E]]
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