The EC-130J is the Air Force’s primary psychological warfare platform, providing Military Information Support Operations (MISO) and civil affairs broadcast. Roles include offensive counterinformation radio, television, and military communications broadcast, EA, and/or SOF mobility. Aircraft are also equipped with enhanced self-protection including Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM) to counter MANPAD threats.
Legacy Commando Solo variants have conducted psychological operations in almost every U.S. contingency since 1980 and the EC-130J debuted in combat during Enduring Freedom in 2001. With transition to the J model, USAF added a new, secondary mission resulting in the “Super J” variant. Three heavily modified EC-130J Commando Solo served as a standard broadcasting station for psychological warfare operations while the four “Super Js” perform secondary, low-cost EA in addition to special operations. USAF began modernizing the fleet with the new Multi-Mission Platform-Heavy (MMP-H) digital broadcast system in 2018. The system includes a roll-on internal payload as well as the external podded Communication EA Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CEASAR) and Long-Range Broadcast System (LRBS), giving both variants full MISO/EA capabilities. The software-defined digital system is capable of UHF/VHF and AM/FM radio, cellular, and television broadcast as well as advanced EA at a stand-off range of up to 175 miles. The MC-130J Commando II is replacing both Commando Solo and Super-J as part of AFSOC’s multimission fleet consolidation. Commando Solo flew its final broadcast sortie on Sept. 16, 2022, and all three aircraft will be retired in FY23. The four Super-J will be de-converted to C-130J configuration and transferred to the ANG schoolhouse at Little Rock as the 193rd SOW transitions to the MC-130J.
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; Sierra Nevada Corp. (Link 16/ AbMN)
First Flight: November 2003
Delivered: Oct. 17, 1999-2006.
IOC: 2004.
Production: Seven.
Inventory: Three (Commando Solo); four (Super J).
Operator: ANG.
Aircraft Location: Harrisburg Arpt., Pa.
Active Variants: •EC-130J Commando Solo. Modified C-130J used for broadcast and psyops. •EC-130J Super J. Modified C-130J used for SOF mobility and psyops.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce-Allison AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,637 shp.
Performance: Speed 335 mph cruise, range 2,645 miles (air refuelable).
Ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight systems officer, mission systems officer; two loadmasters, five electronic communications systems (CS) operators.