Northrop Grumman has been selected as the prime contractor to deliver the next-generation nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) aircraft for the US Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.
The E-130J, based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules, is set to replace the aging E-6B Mercury aircraft derived from the commercial Boeing 707 aircraft.
The TACAMO mission ensures reliable communication relay among various entities, including the Pentagon, the White House, US Navy bases, and Ohio submarines. The submarines are responsible for carrying out initial nuclear strikes through their submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) in the event of a thermonuclear conflict.
With over $1 billion invested in digital engineering and manufacturing technologies, Northrop Grumman aims to accelerate the development, testing, and sustainment of the new aircraft.
“Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B prove we deliver on what we promise, and we will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission,” Jane Bishop, Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman’s Global Surveillance Division, emphasized.
In June 2023, Northrop Grumman delivered the first modernized E-6B Mercury aircraft back to the US Navy under the Integrated Modification and Maintenance Contract (IMMC).