The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a significant $3.5 billion contract to serve as the mission systems integrator for the E-130J, the next-generation aircraft designed for the TACAMO mission, which stands for “Take Charge and Move Out.” This new plane will succeed the legacy E-6B Mercury fleet and will be vital for maintaining secure communication with the nation’s nuclear triad forces during emergency situations.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro expressed the importance of the TACAMO mission in a statement, saying, “Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear triad. The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will be responsible for integrating essential mission systems on the E-130J, including the Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system manufactured by Collins Aerospace. This communication system is critical for enabling the aircraft to maintain contact with submarines operating deep underwater. The E-130J will be based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 airframe, a stretched variant of the C-130J transport aircraft.
The contract includes provisions for three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) as well as up to six aircraft in the initial production lot. Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin are designated subcontractors tasked with supporting the integration and ensuring airworthiness.
Northrop Grumman’s team for this contract also includes partners such as Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon’s Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc. Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s global surveillance division, highlighted the company’s track record, stating, “Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B proves we deliver on what we promise, and we will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission.”
Previously reported by Breaking Defense, Northrop Grumman faced competition from RTX-subsidiary Collins Aerospace for this contract, though Collins Aerospace could not be reached for immediate comment regarding their loss of the bid.
