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EC-130J Commando Solo III

Primarily, to conduct psychological and information operations.

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History

Entered Air Force: 2003.

Description

The EC-130J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, conducts information operations, psychological operations and civil affairs broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands. A typical mission consists of a single-ship orbit offset from the desired target audience -- either military or civilian personnel.

Many modifications have been made to Commando Solo. These include enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, air refueling and the capability of broadcasting radio and color TV on all worldwide standards.

The Air Force Special Operations Command's 193rd Special Operations Wing, Harrisburg International Airport, Pa., has total responsibility for the Commando Solo missions.

The first EC-130E aircraft flown by the 193rd SOW were originally modified using mission electronic equipment transferred from the older EC-121 (known as Coronet Solo). Soon after the 193rd SOW received EC-130s, the Air National Guard unit participated in the rescue of American citizens in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983. Then known as Volant Solo, the aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the people of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action. EC-130E's were most recently in action in Afgahnistan, broadcasting messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom.

In late 2003, The EC-130J "Commando Solo III" aircraft flew for the first time at Palmdale, Calif., signaling a new era of support to Defense Department psychological operations missions.

The EC-130J's first flight "inaugurates a 20-sortie flight test program where a combined Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins team will prove the integrity of $40 million dollars' worth of Commando Solo III modifications," said Lt. Col. Doug Jaquish, Commando Solo program manager at the Reconnaissance Systems Program Office here. Read more about the EC-130J's first flight here.