Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call

Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call Log

The EC-130H "Compass Call" is a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft (EWA) platform based on the highly successful Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The modified aircraft retains the basic look of the original, but is equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows the United States Air Force (USAF) to jam or cut off enemy communications.

In addition to basic EWA capabilities, the EC-130 can be used to suppress enemy air defense networks and provide "counterintelligence" when needed. The net effect is to severely constrain the enemy's communications infrastructure, severely impair coordinated action against friendly forces, and eliminate possible advantages the enemy may have. The modernization program continues to expand the capabilities of the base EC-130 system to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.

The EC-130H can be clearly identified by the numerous antenna mounts and cables on the sides of the fuselage, roof and tail.

The EC-30H first flew in 1981, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1982, cost $65 million per aircraft, and achieved operational capability in 1983. Only 14 of these very specialized airframes have been in service to date and all remain active in the USAF's inventory???.

They are deployed outside Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, but serve with the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. While Lockheed is the prime contractor for the EC-130, BAe Systems provides primary mission equipment, while L-3 Communications is responsible for aircraft integration and hangar maintenance.

The design of the EC-130H naturally follows the original C-130. The fuselage is a stout, somewhat cylindrical design with the recognizable C-130 raised monoplane wings. Each wing is equipped with two bottom nacelles housing powerful turboprop engines, giving the fuselage the STOL (short take-off and landing) qualities inherent in the original C-130. Optional underwing equipment pods can be installed between each engine nacelle or externally if desired.

The cockpit flight deck is well maintained in the design, and the mission area is located within the fuselage itself. The tail is controlled by a large vertical tail and two horizontal tails.

The aircraft consisted of no less than 13 personnel, including two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, two professional electronic warfare officers, a mission crew supervisor and procurement operator, a maintenance technician and four Cryptolinguist. Although the EC-130H itself does not provide offensive or defensive attack against conventional weapons, it manages "non-kinetic waveforms" as its primary weapon.

Power is still provided by an efficient arrangement of 4 Allison T56-A-15 series turboprop engines, delivering up to 4,910 hp to a four-blade propeller system. Top speed is around 300 mph and service is capped at 25,000 feet. The internal fuel capacity is 62,000 pounds and the range is 2,295 miles.

The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is listed at 155,000 pounds, and the aircraft has a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches.

The EC-130H has been upgraded through the Block 30 and Block 35 programs. The former introduces a new, improved task area as well as an updated operating system.

The latter enhances the performance and range of the airborne early warning and acquisition radar suite and introduces improved navigation and digital signal processing.

The EC-130H is deliberately designed to be a highly flexible combat unit, enabling it to be deployed anywhere in the world and at all levels of operations as needed, while maintaining very short lead times. The EC-130H works synergistically with other existing USAF special aircraft, such as the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler and General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon, to form a powerful suppression and Jamming the service triangle to maximize every possible advantage to score USAF and friendly forces during a given operation.

To date, the EC-130H Compass Call Platform has been in service in Kosovo, Haiti, Panama, Iraq, Serbia and Afghanistan, proving its worth time and time again.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes