Northrop Grumman has defeated fellow American defense firm Collins Aerospace in a $3.5-billion competition to develop the US Navy’s next nuclear command, control, and communications aircraft.
Announced Wednesday, the decision grants Northrop and its partners the contract to deliver the E-130J “Doomsday Plane,” which will replace the E-6B Mercury in the Navy’s TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) mission.
The TACAMO mission aims to ensure reliable, survivable, and enduring communication between the National Command Authority and US nuclear forces in emergencies.
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear triad,” US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro explained. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
@USNavy announced Wednesday that @northropgrumman was awarded a contract to conduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, which will relieve the E-6B Mercury of the TACAMO mission.
Read about the contract and this joint effort with #PMA271 here https://t.co/VGhmD3iu0K pic.twitter.com/j65HLIEXBk
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) December 19, 2024
Northrop’s team for the “Doomsday Plane” includes Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon, Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc.
Work on the contract is expected to be completed by 2034.
Winning Platform
The selection follows a competitive procurement process that included evaluation of the most advantageous solution in terms of technical qualities and cost-effectiveness.
Northrop’s proposed platform is a modified version of the C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, featuring two trailing wire antennas for low frequency communications
Additionally, the aircraft’s more compact design reduces the crew size from 22 on the E-6B to fewer than 14.
“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, Northrop’s Vice President and General Manager for Global Surveillance.
The @USNavy and @NAVAIRNews have selected our team to deliver the E-130J TACAMO Recapitalization aircraft. https://t.co/bnZOfDfqHH pic.twitter.com/UpHliG94E8
— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) December 19, 2024
Though Collins Aerospace did not win the contract, the company will contribute as a subcontractor, providing its Very Low Frequency system for integration into the E-130J.
“(We are) pleased to support the US Navy’s TACAMO mission as part of the industry team led by Northrop Grumman,” the company told Breaking Defense.
