Lockheed Martin will supply training devices and services for the U.S. Navy’s E-130J aircraft, part of the TACAMO mission, under a program led by Northrop Grumman.
The company will develop simulators and training systems to prepare crews to operate the aircraft’s communications and command-and-control equipment ahead of its entry into service.
The E-130J, also known as Phoenix II, is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules and is being developed to carry out the U.S. Navy’s Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission.
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The role involves maintaining communication links between U.S. national leadership and nuclear forces, particularly ballistic missile submarines, using very low frequency transmissions that can reach submerged vessels.
“As the original equipment manufacturer of the C-130J, Lockheed Martin is uniquely qualified to partner with Northrop Grumman to meet the U.S. Navy’s E-130J training requirements,” said Todd Morar, vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin.
Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the program and is responsible for integrating the aircraft’s mission systems, while Lockheed Martin provides the airframe and now the training infrastructure.
The U.S. Navy has placed an initial order for three E-130J aircraft under the TACAMO recapitalization effort.
The platform will replace the Boeing E-6B Mercury, which currently performs the mission. The Navy operates 16 E-6B aircraft, which are undergoing modernization even as a replacement is developed.
The shift to a C-130J-based platform is intended to provide a more modern and flexible aircraft for a mission that remains a core element of U.S. nuclear command, control and communications.
