EC-130

The EC‑130 is a series of specially equipped variants of the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules transport aircraft, adapted for electronic warfare, psychological operations, and command‑and‑control missions. Developed in the late 1960s, the first EC‑130E “Combat Skyspot” was used to provide airborne radar navigation and communication relay for U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. Subsequent models such as the EC‑130H “JULIET” and EC‑130J “EYES‑ON” incorporated state‑of‑the‑art signal‑intelligence suites, satellite‑linked data links, and airborne broadcasting equipment. The airframe retains the rugged, four‑engine turboprop design of the Hercules, offering a maximum payload of about 45,000 pounds, a range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, and the ability to operate from short, unprepared runways. Soft‑mounting of antennas and modular electronic racks permits rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from battlefield surveillance to civilian disaster relief communications. Over five decades, EC‑130s have supported U.S. Air Force, Army, and allied operations, proving indispensable for real‑time battlefield awareness and strategic messaging. Their versatility and reliability have cemented the EC‑130’s legacy as a cornerstone of modern airborne electronic and psychological‑operations platforms. Today the EC‑130 continues to evolve, integrating advanced cyber‑electronic systems that ensure its relevance for future joint‑force operations worldwide.

Lockheed Corporation

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