2. INTRODUCTION
• The Lockheed Martin EC-130 series comprises several slightly different versions of the
Lockheed C-130 Hercules that have been and continue to be operated by the U.S. Air Force
and, until the 1990s, the U.S. Navy.
• The EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC) was based on a
basic C-130E platform and provided tactical airborne command post capabilities to air
commanders and ground commanders in low air threat environments.
• The EC-130E ABCCC aircraft were retired in 2002 and the mission was 'migrated' to the E-8
JSTARS and E-3 AWACS fleets.
• The EC-130E Commando Solo was an earlier version of a U.S. Air Force and Air National
Guard psychological operations (PSYOPS) aircraft and this aircraft also employed a C-130E
airframe, but was modified by using the mission electronic equipment from the retired EC-
121S Coronet Solo aircraft.
3.
4. DESIGN
• The EC-130E Commando Solo entered service in 1978 as the EC-130E Coronet Solo with the Tactical Air Command (TAC).
• In 1983 the Coronet Solo's mission was transferred to the Military Airlift Command (MAC) and redesignated the EC-130E
Volant Solo.
• With the formation of Air Force Special Operations Command, the mission was transferred to AFSOC and redesignated
Commando Solo.
• Operations were consolidated under a single-AFSOC gained unit, the 193d Special Operations Wing (193 SOW) of the
Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
• In the early 1990s the aircraft were upgraded and designated Commando Solo II.
• The EC-130E variants were replaced with new EC-130J Commando Solo III aircraft built by Lockheed Martin beginning in
2003.
• Highly specialized modifications have been made to the latest version of the EC-130J (Commando Solo III).
• Included in these mods are enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, and the capability of broadcasting
color television on a multitude of worldwide standards throughout the TV VHF/UHF ranges.
5.
6. CAPABILITIES
• Reception, analysis, and transmission of various electronic signals to exploit
electromagnetic spectrum for maximum battlefield advantage
• Secondary capabilities include jamming, deception, and manipulation
techniques
• Unrefueled range 2800 NM
• Broadcasts in frequency spectrums including AM/FM radio, short-wave,
television, and military command, control and communications channels
7.
8. MODIFICATIONS
• VHF and UHF Worldwide format color TV
• Infrared countermeasures [chaff/flare dispensers plus infrared jammers]
• Vertical trailing wire antenna
• Fire suppressant foam in fuel tank
• Radar warning receiver
• Self-contained navigation system
9.
10. SPECIFICATIONS
• Crew: Pilot, CoPilot, combat systems officer, mission communications
commander; loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators
(6+)
• Length: 97.75 ft (29.7 m)
• Wingspan: 132.6 ft (40.3 m)
• Height: 38.8 ft (11.8 m)
• Max. takeoff weight: 165,000 lb (69,750 kg)
• Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop, 4,637 shp (3,458 kW)) each
11.
12. PERFORMANCE
• Cruise speed: 335 mph (540 km/h)
• Range: 2,300 nm (4,260 km)
• Service ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,500 m)
