The Northrop Grumman-led industry team will deliver the E-130J for the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO mission. (Northrop Grumman)
WASHINGTON — The Navy today awarded a $3.5 billion contract to Northrop Grumman to be the mission systems integrator for Navy’s next-generation plane for commanding nuclear-armed forces in an emergency, beating out competitor Collins Aerospace.
TACAMO is the acronym the Navy uses for the mission known as “take charge and move out.” The new plane, dubbed the E-130J, will eventually take over that mission for the legacy fleet, the E-6B Mercury. Its purpose is to provide the chain of command a secure and reliable platform to communicate with any one of the forces encompassing the nuclear triad.
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear triad,” said Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in a written statement announcing the contract award. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
Under the new contract, Northrop Grumman will integrate the mission systems needed onboard the E-130J, including the Collins Aerospace-made Very Low Frequency communications system, a critical component that allows the plane to communicate with subs deep below the ocean’s surface. The airframe will be Lockheed Martin-made C-130J-30s, a stretched version of the C-130J transport aircraft.
“The contract is for three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six aircraft in the first lot of production. Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin are directed subcontractors to support the integration and airworthiness,” according to the Navy statement.
Northrop’s team for the contract includes Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon’s Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc.
“Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B prove 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,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager of global surveillance division for Northrop Grumman.
As Breaking Defense previously reported, Northrop Grumman’s primary competitor for the contract was RTX-subsidiary Collins Aerospace. Collins could not be immediately reached for comment.
