Lockheed Corporation
Lockheed EC-130Q Hercules
The Lockheed EC‑130Q Hercules is a specialized variant of the venerable C‑130 airframe that entered service with the United States Navy in the early 1970s. Developed from the civilian C‑130E transport, the EC‑130Q was equipped with a suite of advanced communications and electronic‑surveillance gear to serve as a “Stargazer” airborne command and control platform for the Naval Tactical Command System. First delivered in 1972, the aircraft provided the fleet with real‑time data links, secure voice channels, and the ability to relay tactical information between carrier groups and shore stations. Its four Allison T56‑A-15 turboprop engines delivered 4,591 shaft horsepower each, giving the Hercules a long‑range, high‑payload capability and the runway‑independent performance that proved essential for naval operations. The EC‑130Q’s distinctive antenna arrays and mission‑specific workstations allowed it to monitor, decode, and retransmit a broad spectrum of radio frequencies, enhancing situational awareness during the Cold War and later conflicts. Retired in the early 2000s, the EC‑130Q set a precedent for airborne command‑and‑control aircraft, influencing subsequent platforms such as the EC‑130J “Commando Solo” and cementing the C‑130 family’s legacy as a versatile workhorse in modern aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 18