The US Navy has introduced that it has awarded Northrop Grumman a US$3.5 billion contract to conduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, the successor to the E-6B Mercury, for the Take Cost and Transfer Out (TACAMO) strategic communications relay mission.
Northrop Grumman will function the first contractor to combine the mission programs into the Lockheed Martin-built C-130J-30 plane. The contract is for 3 engineering growth fashions and choices for as much as three system demonstration take a look at articles – as much as six plane within the first lot of manufacturing.
Based mostly on the C-130J Tremendous Hercules airframe, the platform will present connectivity between senior commanders and nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
Associated Articles
Doubts about C-130J triggers $62 million contract to find out suitability for US next-gen TACAMO programme
Lockheed Martin started manufacturing of the primary E-130J plane in November 2024, and it’s scheduled for supply in 2026. Two extra will reportedly comply with in 2027 and 2028.
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” mentioned Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “The E-130J will keep it up the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO plane and maintain our nation protected.”
Jane Bishop, vice chairman and common supervisor, international surveillance division, Northrop Grumman added: “Our efficiency on Navy packages just like the E-2D and E-6B show we ship on what we promise, and we are going to carry this experience in serving to the Navy ship the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically essential mission.”
Associated Programmes in Defence Perception
E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-130J) [USN]
Associated Gear in Defence Perception
E-6B Mercury
E-6 TACAMO
E-130J
