In the United States, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced that the first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft destined for the TACAMO program has been realized.
The said aircraft is now ready to receive the necessary modifications to be converted into an EC-130J Phoenix II, taking the place of the current E-6B Mercury.
The C-130J was built at the Lockheed Martin facilities in Marietta, Georgia.
Before the conversion to EC-130J to be managed by Northrop Grumman Corporation as project lead, the aircraft will undergo a cycle of ground and flight tests.
The EC-130J Phoenix II, an updated and modernized platform, will provide the strategic link for communications related to the use of aerial nuclear weapons between the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the United States Strategic Command, replacing the now outdated E-6B Mercury in service for three decades.
The program managed by the US Navy for the delicate mission “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) envisages the creation of three prototypes and a phased production of up to eighteen series aircrafts.
Source and photo credit @Naval Air Systems Command(NAVAIR)
