EC-130H (Compass Call) American Airborne Electronic Warfare System
EC-130H
Electronic Warfare System
Other
Basic Information
Name
EC-130H (Compass Call) American Airborne Electronic Warfare System
Designation
EC-130H
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Electronic Warfare System
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Date of Introduction
1983
Description
The EC-130H Compass Call is an airborne tactical EW weapon system with a primary mission to disrupt enemy command and control. The aircraft is a heavily modified variant of the C-130 Hercules featuring a large antenna array attached to the tail-section of the aircraft and onboard advanced computer systems that enable direction-finding, listening and jamming of enemy communications.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
11
Engine
Turboprop (4591 hp)
Max Speed
589.0 km/h
Variants
EC-130E ABNCC
This was an EC-130E with an airborne command and control center (ABNCC) in a roll-on/roll-off tactical command post capsule.
EC-130G/Q
A U.S. Navy C-130E fitted with AN/USC-13 TACAMO (take charge and move out) communications equipment by Rockwell was used in support of strategic missile submarines. This included the AN/USC-13 airborne VLF communications suite with a trailing wire antenna over 30,000 feet in length. This equipment was later "stripped-out" for use in E-6 Hermes successors. The last EC-130Q was delivered to Rockwell International for strip-out in May 1992. Altogether, Rockwell converted 22 EC-130G and EC-130Q aircraft.
EC-130J Commando Solo
Highly specialized modifications have been made to the aircraft. Included in these modifications 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.
The EC-130J has two 23 ft x 6 ft (7 m x 1.8 m) underwing pods that carry VHF and UHF broadcast antennas for high-frequency TV channel broadcasts. Four pods mounted on the both sides of the tail house VHF antennas that are dedicated to the lower-frequency TV frequencies.
The aircraft is capable of broadcasting on eight frequencies simultaneously.
Defensive equipment includes ALR-56M radar warning receiver; AAR-54 PMAWS; ALE-47 TACDS; and AAQ-24 DIRCM.
The EC-130J crew includes a pilot, co-pilot, flight systems officers, mission systems officer, two loadmasters and five electronic communication systems operators.
System
Alternate Designation(s)
EC-130H Compass Call
Type
Electronic Warfare Aircraft
Manufacturer
Lockheed Corporation
Lockheed Martin
Crew
11 (two pilots, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster and six (6) EW mission crew members)
Number of Engines
4
Dimensions
Length
29.8 m
Width (Wing Span)
40.41 m
Wing Area
162.12 m sq
Height
11.4 m
Ramp Opening, Length
3.12 m
Ramp Opening, Width
3.02 m
Cargo Hold, Length
12.31 m
Cargo Hold, Height
2.74 m
Cargo Hold, Width
3.02 m
Cargo Volume
127.4 cu m
Weight, Unloaded
34,686 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
69,750 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
4 x Allison T56-A-15
Engine Type
Turboprop
Engine Power
4,591 shp each
Fuel Capacity
36,636 liters internal
Maximum Speed
589 km/h
Economy Speed
INA
Stall Speed
185 km/h
Ceiling
7,077 m
Takeoff Run
1,091 m
Landing Run
518 m
Rate of Climb
579 m/min
Fire Control / Avionics
Navigation Radar
AN/APN-241 weather and navigational radar.
Communications Upgrade
The communication suite upgrades include more multi-asset coordination nets; modernized data link terminals; and expansion of satellite communications connectivity.
Radar Upgrade
Early warning/acquisition radar and navigation systems performance improved with higher radiated energy and extended frequency range.
Mission Systems
Tactical Radio Acquisition and Countermeasures Subsystem (TRACS C)
Digital, programmable receiver suite enabling target acquisition.
Special Emitter Array (SPEAR) Jamming Pod
Active jamming system with two-way data link capability.
Protection
Stealth Properties
None
Heat Signature Reduction
No
Add on Armor
INA
NBC Protection
INA
EW Counter Measures
Yes, countermeasures include chaff, flares, active and passive RF decoys, and active and passive electro-optical decoys.
Chaff/Flares
Yes
AAR-54 Passive Missile Approach Warning System (PMAWS)
Aircraft Protection System.
ALE-47 TACDS
Advanced countermeasure dispensing system.
AN/AAQ-24(V) Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) System
Advanced IR countermeasure to defeat IR homing missiles.
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
United States
Category
Fixed Wing Aircraft
Air > Fixed Wing Aircraft
Filter Label
E
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
29.8 m
Width
40.41 m
Height
11.4 m
Weight
34686 kg
Operators (1)
United States
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