Lockheed Martin Hands Over First of New EC-130JSpecial Operations Aircraft
MARIETTA, Ga.--- Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems today handed over the first of three EC-130J Command Solo psychological operations aircraft it has on order. The EC-130J will be assigned to the Air National Guard's 193rd Special Operations Wing located at Harrisburg IAP, Pennsylvania. The 193rd currently flies eight EC-130Es that are nearing the end of their planned service life.
The 193rd's role, as part of the United States Air Force's Special Operations Command, is to carry out what are referred to as psychological missions. The specially equipped EC-130J aircraft can broadcast transmissions using all commercial AM and FM radio bands, VHF and UHF television bands, and the military's VHF, HF, and FM frequencies. Broadcasts from the aircraft are carried out in areas of military or political unrest to either inform or influence both military and civilian personnel in the area.
Following today's hand-over ceremony, the EC-130J will be flown back to LMAS in Marietta for some additional flight tests, and then proceed to Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. The company will carry out the sophisticated task of permanently installing the aircraft's special mission equipment in the cargo hold and the external antennas. Once completed, the EC-130J will be delivered to the Air Force for operational service in the second quarter of 2001.
This latest hand-over of a C-130J variant demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of what is the world's most advanced tactical airlifter. The aircraft is seeing application in such other missions as hurricane hunting and air-to-air refueling.
-ends-
Lockheed Martin Hands Over First of New EC-130JSpecial Operations Aircraft
