This is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems, based on the C-130 Hercules.
In brief
The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is a heavily modified version of the C-130 Hercules, used for electronic warfare. It is equipped with sophisticated systems to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems. Powered by four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, the EC-130H has a maximum speed of 374 mph (601 km/h), a range of 2,295 miles (3,693 km), and an operational ceiling of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). Its advanced avionics suite includes electronic attack (EA) capabilities to support various missions, including suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and information operations.
The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is a critical asset in the United States Air Force’s electronic warfare (EW) arsenal. Designed to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems, the Compass Call plays a vital role in modern warfare by providing electronic attack capabilities. This aircraft has been instrumental in various conflicts, supporting both strategic and tactical operations by jamming enemy signals and protecting friendly forces from electronic threats.
History of the Development of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call
The development of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call began in the late 1970s, a period marked by the Cold War’s intense geopolitical tensions and the rapid advancement of electronic warfare technologies. The need for a dedicated electronic warfare platform was driven by the increasing sophistication of enemy air defense systems and the growing reliance on electronic communications in military operations.
In response to these challenges, the U.S. Air Force initiated a program to develop an aircraft capable of disrupting enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems. Lockheed, a leading aerospace manufacturer, was selected to modify the C-130 Hercules, a versatile and proven airframe, into an advanced electronic warfare platform. The goal was to create an aircraft that could provide electronic attack (EA) capabilities, support suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and conduct information operations.
The EC-130H Compass Call program officially began in 1981. The first modified aircraft, designated as EC-130H, made its maiden flight in 1981. The initial tests focused on evaluating the aircraft’s electronic warfare systems and ensuring their integration with the C-130 airframe. These tests were critical in validating the design and effectiveness of the Compass Call’s electronic attack capabilities.
During the early 1980s, the geopolitical landscape was dominated by the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union vying for technological and military superiority. The development of the EC-130H Compass Call was part of the broader effort to maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries. The aircraft’s ability to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems was seen as a crucial asset in any potential conflict.
The EC-130H’s NATO reporting name, “Compass Call,” reflects its primary mission of jamming and disrupting enemy signals. The aircraft’s role in electronic warfare is essential for supporting friendly forces and degrading the enemy’s ability to coordinate and execute their operations effectively.
The EC-130H Compass Call entered operational service with the U.S. Air Force in 1982. Its capabilities were quickly recognized, and the aircraft was deployed in various conflicts and operations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The Compass Call proved its effectiveness in disrupting enemy communications and radar systems, providing a significant advantage to U.S. and allied forces.
Throughout its service, the EC-130H has undergone several upgrades and modifications to keep pace with advancements in electronic warfare technology. These upgrades have included enhancements to the aircraft’s electronic warfare suite, improved avionics, and the integration of new jamming and deception capabilities. These continuous improvements ensure that the EC-130H remains a relevant and effective platform in modern electronic warfare.
Design of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call
The design of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is based on the versatile C-130 Hercules airframe, which has been extensively modified to fulfill its electronic warfare mission. The modifications and enhancements made to the EC-130H are focused on integrating advanced electronic attack (EA) systems, providing robust capabilities for jamming and disrupting enemy communications and radar systems.
The EC-130H retains the basic structure and dimensions of the C-130 Hercules. It has a length of 97 feet 9 inches (29.8 meters), a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches (40.4 meters), and a height of 38 feet 3 inches (11.7 meters). The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is approximately 155,000 pounds (70,307 kilograms). These dimensions provide ample space for the extensive electronic warfare suite and crew required for its operations.
The primary design modification of the EC-130H is the integration of sophisticated electronic warfare equipment. This equipment is housed in various locations throughout the aircraft, including the fuselage and specialized pods mounted on the wings and fuselage. The electronic warfare suite includes advanced jamming and deception systems designed to interfere with enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems.
The aircraft is powered by four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, each producing 4,910 shaft horsepower (3,660 kW). These engines provide the EC-130H with a maximum speed of 374 mph (601 km/h) and a cruising speed of approximately 300 mph (482 km/h). The turboprop engines are known for their reliability and efficiency, making them well-suited for the long-duration missions typical of electronic warfare operations.
One of the critical components of the EC-130H’s design is its electronic attack (EA) suite. This suite includes a variety of jamming and deception systems that can target different frequencies and types of signals. The primary jamming systems are designed to disrupt enemy radar, communications, and navigation signals, effectively blinding and disorienting enemy forces. These systems are capable of both stand-off jamming, where the aircraft remains at a safe distance from enemy defenses, and close-in jamming, where the aircraft operates closer to the target area.
The EC-130H is also equipped with an advanced avionics suite, which includes navigation, communication, and flight control systems. The avionics suite is designed to support the aircraft’s electronic warfare mission by providing precise navigation and reliable communication with other friendly forces. The aircraft’s navigation systems include GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS), ensuring accurate positioning and mission execution.
The crew of the EC-130H typically includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and several electronic warfare officers and technicians. The electronic warfare officers are responsible for operating the jamming and deception systems, while the technicians maintain and troubleshoot the electronic warfare equipment. The flight deck is equipped with modern avionics and displays, providing the crew with the necessary information to conduct their missions effectively.
The EC-130H’s design also includes provisions for self-defense and survivability. The aircraft is equipped with chaff and flare dispensers to counter incoming missiles and radar-guided threats. These countermeasures enhance the aircraft’s ability to evade enemy defenses and complete its mission safely. Additionally, the EC-130H’s robust airframe and reliable engines contribute to its overall survivability in hostile environments.
Performance of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call
The performance of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is a result of its robust design, powerful engines, and advanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft’s capabilities make it a critical asset for electronic attack missions, providing support to U.S. and allied forces by disrupting enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems.
The EC-130H is powered by four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, each delivering 4,910 shaft horsepower (3,660 kW). These engines provide the aircraft with a maximum speed of 374 mph (601 km/h) and a cruising speed of approximately 300 mph (482 km/h). The turboprop engines are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, which are essential for the long-duration missions typical of electronic warfare operations. The aircraft’s operational range is 2,295 miles (3,693 kilometers), allowing it to cover extensive areas and support various mission profiles.
The service ceiling of the EC-130H is 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), enabling the aircraft to operate at high altitudes where it can effectively conduct its electronic warfare mission while minimizing exposure to ground-based threats. The ability to operate at high altitudes is particularly beneficial for stand-off jamming missions, where the aircraft can disrupt enemy signals from a safe distance.
The EC-130H’s primary mission is electronic attack (EA), which involves jamming and disrupting enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems. The aircraft’s electronic warfare suite includes a variety of advanced jamming and deception systems capable of targeting different frequencies and signal types. These systems are designed to interfere with enemy command and control networks, radar installations, and other critical systems, effectively degrading the enemy’s ability to coordinate and execute operations.
One of the key performance aspects of the EC-130H is its ability to conduct both stand-off and close-in jamming. In stand-off jamming missions, the aircraft operates at a safe distance from enemy defenses, using its powerful jamming systems to disrupt signals over a wide area. This capability is essential for protecting friendly forces and degrading the enemy’s situational awareness. In close-in jamming missions, the EC-130H operates closer to the target area, providing more focused jamming support for specific operations, such as suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD) or supporting ground forces during an assault.
The EC-130H’s advanced avionics suite enhances its performance by providing precise navigation, reliable communication, and effective mission management. The aircraft is equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS) for accurate positioning, ensuring that it can navigate effectively even in contested environments. The communication systems allow the crew to maintain contact with other friendly forces, coordinating their electronic attack efforts and ensuring mission success.
The aircraft’s crew plays a critical role in its performance. The typical crew includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and several electronic warfare officers and technicians. The electronic warfare officers operate the jamming and deception systems, while the technicians maintain and troubleshoot the electronic warfare equipment. The crew’s expertise and coordination are essential for the effective execution of electronic warfare missions.
When compared to other electronic warfare platforms, the EC-130H demonstrates superior performance in terms of range, endurance, and jamming capabilities. For example, the Boeing EA-18G Growler, another electronic warfare aircraft, has a shorter range and lower endurance compared to the EC-130H. While the EA-18G is a faster and more agile platform, the EC-130H’s ability to conduct long-duration missions and cover extensive areas makes it a valuable asset for strategic and tactical electronic warfare operations.
In real-world operations, the EC-130H has proven its effectiveness in various conflicts and missions. The aircraft has been deployed in support of operations in the Middle East, providing critical electronic attack capabilities to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems. These missions have demonstrated the EC-130H’s ability to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. and allied forces, contributing to mission success and protecting friendly forces from electronic threats.
Variants of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call
The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call has several variants, each designed to meet specific operational requirements and incorporate advancements in electronic warfare technology. These variants reflect the continuous evolution of the EC-130H platform to enhance its capabilities and effectiveness in electronic attack missions.
EC-130H Block 10: The initial variant of the Compass Call, introduced in the early 1980s. The Block 10 variant featured the first generation of electronic warfare systems, providing basic jamming and deception capabilities. This variant laid the foundation for subsequent upgrades and improvements.
EC-130H Block 20: An upgraded version of the Block 10, the Block 20 variant incorporated enhancements to the electronic warfare suite, including more powerful jamming systems and improved avionics. These upgrades increased the effectiveness of the Compass Call in disrupting enemy communications and radar systems.
EC-130H Block 30: Introduced in the 1990s, the Block 30 variant featured significant advancements in electronic warfare technology. This variant included new jamming and deception systems capable of targeting a wider range of frequencies and signal types. The Block 30 also incorporated improvements to the aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems.
EC-130H Block 40: The most advanced variant of the Compass Call, the Block 40 includes state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems and avionics. This variant is designed to address the evolving electronic warfare threats and provide enhanced capabilities for jamming and disrupting enemy signals. The Block 40 also features improved self-defense systems and increased mission flexibility.
EC-130H Recap: The EC-130H Recap program is an ongoing effort to replace the aging EC-130H fleet with modernized aircraft. The Recap program aims to incorporate the latest electronic warfare technology and ensure the continued effectiveness of the Compass Call platform in future conflicts.
Military Use and Combat of the Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call
The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call has been a pivotal asset in the United States Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities. Its primary mission is to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems, providing critical support to U.S. and allied forces during combat operations. The EC-130H has been deployed in various conflicts and military operations, demonstrating its effectiveness in a wide range of scenarios.
One of the primary roles of the EC-130H is electronic attack (EA). The aircraft’s advanced jamming and deception systems are designed to interfere with enemy command and control networks, radar installations, and communication systems. By disrupting these critical systems, the Compass Call degrades the enemy’s ability to coordinate and execute operations, providing a significant tactical advantage to friendly forces.
The EC-130H has been involved in numerous combat operations, including those in the Middle East. During the Gulf War in 1991, the Compass Call was deployed to disrupt Iraqi communications and radar systems, supporting the coalition forces’ air and ground operations. The aircraft’s jamming capabilities were instrumental in blinding Iraqi radar installations, preventing effective coordination and communication among enemy forces.
In the years following the Gulf War, the EC-130H continued to play a vital role in various military operations. During Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Compass Call provided essential electronic warfare support. The aircraft’s ability to jam enemy communications and radar systems contributed to the success of U.S. and allied operations, enhancing situational awareness and protecting friendly forces from electronic threats.
The EC-130H’s effectiveness in combat is due to its sophisticated electronic warfare suite. The aircraft is equipped with powerful jamming systems that can target a wide range of frequencies and signal types. These systems are capable of both stand-off jamming, where the aircraft remains at a safe distance from enemy defenses, and close-in jamming, where the aircraft operates closer to the target area. This flexibility allows the Compass Call to adapt to different mission requirements and provide effective support in various operational environments.
In addition to its jamming capabilities, the EC-130H is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems. These systems enable the aircraft to navigate accurately, maintain reliable communication with other friendly forces, and coordinate electronic attack efforts. The Compass Call’s avionics suite includes GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS), ensuring precise positioning and mission execution.
The EC-130H’s crew plays a critical role in its success. The typical crew includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and several electronic warfare officers and technicians. The electronic warfare officers operate the jamming and deception systems, while the technicians maintain and troubleshoot the electronic warfare equipment. The crew’s expertise and coordination are essential for the effective execution of electronic warfare missions.
The Compass Call’s capabilities have been continuously upgraded to address evolving electronic warfare threats. The aircraft has undergone several modifications to enhance its jamming systems, improve its avionics, and increase its mission flexibility. These upgrades ensure that the EC-130H remains a relevant and effective platform in modern electronic warfare.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the EC-130H faces competition from other electronic warfare platforms. For example, the Boeing EA-18G Growler, a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, offers faster speeds and greater agility. However, the EC-130H’s ability to conduct long-duration missions and cover extensive areas makes it a valuable asset for strategic and tactical electronic warfare operations.
The EC-130H Compass Call continues to serve as a critical component of the U.S. Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities. Its ability to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems, combined with its advanced avionics and flexible mission profile, ensures that it remains a vital asset in modern military operations. The aircraft’s continuous upgrades and modifications ensure that it can effectively address current and future electronic warfare threats.
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The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and navigation systems. Based on the C-130 Hercules airframe, the EC-130H is equipped with sophisticated jamming and deception systems, powerful engines, and advanced avionics. Its capabilities make it a critical asset for electronic attack missions, providing support to U.S. and allied forces by degrading the enemy’s ability to coordinate and execute operations. The aircraft’s continuous upgrades and modifications ensure that it remains an effective and relevant platform in modern electronic warfare, capable of addressing current and future threats.
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