EC-130J Commando Solo III

The EC‑130J Commando Solo III is a specialized variant of the Lockheed Martin C‑130 Hercules, configured for psychological operations, broadcast, and civil‑military missions. Developed in the early 2000s as an upgrade to the aging EC‑130E and EC‑130H aircraft, the Commando Solo III entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2006, replacing older platforms and providing a modern digital architecture. The airframe retains the rugged C‑130J Super Hercules wing, engines, and avionics, while adding a modular suite of high‑power transmitters, satellite uplinks, and a 30‑foot antenna array that can broadcast television, FM radio, and data links over a 250‑kilometer radius. An integrated command‑and‑control workstation allows operators to switch between broadcast, electronic‑reconnaissance, and humanitarian‑aid roles in flight. Its ability to fly at low altitude, night, and in adverse weather makes it ideal for disseminating information in conflict zones and disaster areas. The EC‑130J Commando Solo III has been employed in operations ranging from the Afghanistan war to the 2020 pandemic relief efforts, demonstrating the strategic value of airborne communications. Its blend of legacy reliability and cutting‑edge broadcast technology solidifies its significance as a unique platform in modern aviation.

Lockheed Martin

EC-130J Commando Solo III

Classification

Design & Classification