The US Navy has taken delivery of a new C-130J-30 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin as the foundation for its future E-130J Phoenix II nuclear communications aircraft. The aircraft will undergo mission-system integration under Northrop Grumman, while Collins Aerospace will supply very-low-frequency communications technology designed to relay emergency instructions to submerged ballistic-missile submarines. The programme is intended to replace the E-6B Mercury in the Navy’s TACAMO mission, which preserves critical links between US national leadership and ballistic-missile submarines during disruptions to conventional communications infrastructure. The E-6B, derived from the Boeing 707, entered service in 1997 and received its final aircraft in 2006. The C-130J-30 offers a four-engine platform manufactured in the United States, with the endurance and performance needed for the specialised mission. The future E-130J configuration is expected to incorporate upgraded avionics, more electrical power, longer range, improved fuel economy and increased payload capacity. The aircraft was delivered at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.
