TACAMO E-130J

On 21 October 2024, the US Navy announced that the mission aircraft selected for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) role will be named E-130J.

The E-130J is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules. The new aircraft will replace the Navy’s E-6B Mercury fleet of the TACAMO mission. The common name, like Mercury, has not been selected yet.

The US Navy's Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Programme Office (PMA-271) is procuring the E-130J through the TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme. The solicitation, which closed in April 2024, is for a prime contractor to integrate TACAMO mission systems, including the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency (VLF) subsystem, into government-furnished C-130J-30 aircraft. Contract award is scheduled for January 2025.

The E-130Js will be operated by the Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1, based at Tinker AFB (OK). Three pre-production aircraft were purchased in FY2023: one to be used for air vehicle testing, the other two for mission systems testing. The US Navy envisions purchases of three production aircraft in FY2027 and another six in FY2028.

With the new designation, the US Navy is following the Air Force's example, abandoning the traditional Mission Design Series (MDS). Earlier, the USAF announced that the Gulfsteam G550 intended for use with the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron would henceforth be called EA-37B.

Scramble Magazine first reported on the TACAMO replacement on 6 January 2021.

Credit image: Lockheed Martin (via The Warzone)