. INTRODUCTION • The Lockheed Martin EC-130 series comprises several slightly different versions of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules that have been and continue to be operated by the U.S. Air Force and, until the 1990s, the U.S. Navy. • The EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC) was based on a basic C-130E platform and provided tactical airborne command post capabilities to air commanders and ground commanders in low air threat environments. • The EC-130E ABCCC aircraft were retired in 2002 and the mission was 'migrated' to the E-8 JSTARS and E-3 AWACS fleets. • The EC-130E Commando Solo was an earlier version of a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard psychological operations (PSYOPS) aircraft and this aircraft also employed a C-130E airframe, but was modified by using the mission electronic equipment from the retired EC- 121S Coronet Solo aircraft.3. DESIGN • The EC-130E Commando Solo entered service in 1978 as the EC-130E Coronet Solo with the Tactical Air Command (TAC). • In 1983 the Coronet Solo's mission was transferred to the Military Airlift Command (MAC) and redesignated the EC-130E Volant Solo. • With the formation of Air Force Special Operations Command, the mission was transferred to AFSOC and redesignated Commando Solo. • Operations were consolidated under a single-AFSOC gained unit, the 193d Special Operations Wing (193 SOW) of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. • In the early 1990s the aircraft were upgraded and designated Commando Solo II. • The EC-130E variants were replaced with new EC-130J Commando Solo III aircraft built by Lockheed Martin beginning in 2003. • Highly specialized modifications have been made to the latest version of the EC-130J (Commando Solo III). • Included in these mods are enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, and the capability of broadcasting color television on a multitude of worldwide standards throughout the TV VHF/UHF ranges.4. CAPABILITIES • Reception, analysis, and transmission of various electronic signals to exploit electromagnetic spectrum for maximum battlefield advantage • Secondary capabilities include jamming, deception, and manipulation techniques • Unrefueled range 2800 NM • Broadcasts in frequency spectrums including AM/FM radio, short-wave, television, and military command, control and communications channels5. MODIFICATIONS • VHF and UHF Worldwide format color TV • Infrared countermeasures [chaff/flare dispensers plus infrared jammers] • Vertical trailing wire antenna • That's that.
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