This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Dec 26, 2024. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
E-130J
Northrop Grumman won a $3.46 billion contract Dec. 18 to supply Lockheed Martin E-130Js to the U.S. Navy fleet dedicated to supporting nuclear-armed submarines.
The contract for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Recapitalization program calls for Northrop to deliver the first three engineering and manufacturing aircraft based on the stretched C-130J-30 airframe and equipped with the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency (VLF) antenna.
Collins and Lockheed will report to Northrop as subcontractors under the contract, the Defense Department said in a news release.
Northrop currently sustains the Boeing 707-based E-6B Mercury fleet, which the E-130Js will replace.
“We will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission,” Jane Bishop, Northrop vice president and general manager, said in a statement.
The VLF antenna consists of an about 5-mi.-long wire that must be rolled out and reeled in by the host aircraft. The antenna transmits messages to nuclear-armed submarines deep under water, allowing them to receive updates during a mission without needing to surface and revealing their position.
Related Content
