Lockheed Martin has delivered a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to the US Navy, marking the start of a programme to develop a next-generation airborne nuclear command-and-control platform.
The aircraft was handed over at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, on October 15. It will be modified into the E-130J Phoenix II, the Navy’s future platform for its Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission, which supports airborne nuclear command and control.
The delivery marks a new application for the C-130J-30, which will provide a domestically manufactured, four-engine platform designed to deliver the endurance and reliability required for the mission. The aircraft combines advanced avionics with increased electrical power, greater range, improved fuel efficiency and increased payload capacity. These capabilities will support the Navy’s requirements as it develops the next generation of its strategic communications network.
“This delivery marks a historic milestone for the US Navy, Lockheed Martin, and the nation’s strategic communications network,” said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions.
“The C-130J-30 Super Hercules continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of our customers, carrying the proven reliability of its lineage while transforming into a new, strategic mission set.”
Returning to the Hercules platform
The delivery also re-establishes the connection between the TACAMO mission and the Hercules aircraft family. The EC-130Q variant previously served as the Navy’s TACAMO platform for three decades, operating in the role from 1963 until 1993. The new C-130J-30 builds on that operational heritage, incorporating updated avionics, communications systems and survivability enhancements to meet current mission requirements.
US Navy Capt. Roger Davis, programme manager for the Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications programme (PMA-271), said the delivery marked the beginning of a new chapter for the mission.
“Lockheed Martin’s delivery of this battle-proven airframe provides the structural and performance backbone our mission requires as we transition into mission systems integration to field the E-130J Phoenix II,” Davis said.
Mission systems integration
Following delivery, the aircraft will be transferred to Northrop Grumman, which will act as mission systems integrator. The E-130J TACAMO industry team will undertake the conversion, integrating the systems required to transform the C-130J-30 airframe into the E-130J Phoenix II.
The programme adds a specialised strategic communications role to the Super Hercules’ existing range of military missions, extending the platform’s application within the US defence sector.
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