Return of the Hercules and looking back on the first flight of the "Thud"
The C-130 resumes a familiar mission and remembering the first flight of the F-105
“To be somebody or to do something. In life there is often a roll call. That’s when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?”
-John Boyd
Its airshow week! I am very happy to report that I will be covering the Wings Over Houston Airshow this weekend and will be taking hundreds (thousands?) of pictures. I will also have a good friend helping me out so we should be able to capture video and audio along with still photos.
One more thing before we get into the main features of the newsletter. I released a new video today, and I’d like to ask you to check it out sometime today when you get a minute - it would really help me out:
Thank you! And now onto the newsletter:
Mission Briefing: The New E-130J TACAMO Aircraft Takes Flight
On October 21, 2024, the U.S. Navy reached a significant milestone in the evolution of its airborne strategic communications fleet, announcing the selection of the E-130J designation for its new TACAMO aircraft. Set to replace the aging E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will be built on the proven C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe, carrying forward the critical role of ensuring nuclear command and control for the U.S. military.
For decades, the E-6B Mercury, a modified Boeing 707, has served as a vital link between the nation's leadership and its ballistic missile submarine fleet, using Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmissions to communicate with submerged submarines. But with the Mercury fleet exceeding 30 years of service, the Navy has turned to the E-130J to carry this mission forward into the future. The announcement marks a significant step in the TACAMO Recapitalization Program, which seeks to enhance America’s nuclear deterrence and keep its strategic forces connected in times of crisis.
The Evolution of TACAMO
“TACAMO,” or “Take Charge and Move Out,” is more than just a mission—it’s a cornerstone of America’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) capability. The E-130J will take on the mantle from the E-6B, ensuring that the President, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Strategic Command maintain unbroken communication with the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, even in the most extreme scenarios.
According to Capt. Adam Scott, Program Manager for the Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271), “This is an important milestone as we work toward delivering the next generation of TACAMO aircraft to the warfighter.” Built on the versatile C-130J-30 airframe, the E-130J will incorporate specialized mission equipment to perform this high-stakes role.
The E-130J represents the 18th variant of the C-130 Hercules, a platform with a long and storied history in military aviation. While the exact modifications are still to be finalized, it is expected to include Collins Aerospace’s Very Low Frequency subsystem and other critical communications gear, allowing the aircraft to maintain connectivity with submerged submarines carrying strategic deterrents. The final contract for the mission system integration is scheduled to be awarded in January 2025.
The Legacy of the E-6B Mercury
The E-6B Mercury, which has faithfully served the TACAMO mission for over three decades, is based on some of the last Boeing 707 airframes produced. Its primary role has always been to ensure the continuity of communication between the highest levels of government and the nation’s nuclear forces. As the E-6B nears the end of its service life, it will gradually be replaced by the E-130J, allowing the Mercury to focus on other critical missions until its retirement.
The importance of the TACAMO mission cannot be overstated, and the introduction of the E-130J ensures that this vital function will continue without interruption. As Capt. Britt Windeler, Commander of Strategic Communications Wing 1, put it: “The E-130J will assure that our nation’s leadership maintains control of its strategic forces as the E-6B gets closer to end of life, and enable it to focus on other critical missions.”
Looking Ahead
While the E-130J will inherit many of the responsibilities of its predecessor, it will do so with the advantage of modern technology and the proven reliability of the C-130J airframe. The choice to base this next-generation TACAMO aircraft on the Super Hercules follows a long legacy of C-130 variants serving in crucial roles for the U.S. military, including the EC-130Q, which was the first Hercules to perform the TACAMO mission before the arrival of the E-6B.
As development continues, all eyes are on 2025, when the final contract will be awarded, and the E-130J will begin to take shape. In the years to come, this aircraft will become a linchpin in the United States’ nuclear command structure, ready to “Take Charge and Move Out” when called upon.
4o
This week in aviation history
22 October 1955: Over the skies of Edwards Air Force Base in California’s high desert, Republic Aviation test pilot Russell M. “Rusty” Roth took the first YF-105A prototype, serial number 54-098, for its maiden flight. Though it was powered by an underperforming Pratt & Whitney J57-P-25 engine, the aircraft still managed to reach Mach 1.2 in level flight—a promising start for what would become an iconic aircraft.
The YF-105A Thunderchief, or “Thud” as it was nicknamed, underwent several improvements following this flight. With upgrades like a more powerful J75-P-5 engine and aerodynamic enhancements to its fuselage, the production version—the F-105B—was capable of achieving Mach 2.15. The Thunderchief was designed for NATO’s tactical nuclear strike role, and its massive size made it the largest single-seat, single-engine fighter-bomber ever built.
The F-105’s design was focused on speed and payload. At 61 feet long, with a wingspan of nearly 35 feet, it could carry a substantial amount of ordnance, including a nuclear bomb housed in its internal bomb bay. The production models boasted impressive performance specs: speeds over 1,400 mph at altitude and a combat radius of 950 nautical miles, making the F-105 a formidable Cold War asset.
Though primarily designed for ground attack missions, the Thunderchief proved versatile in combat. Despite its primary role, F-105s were officially credited with 27.5 air-to-air victories, and 833 units were built. However, the aircraft suffered heavy losses during the Vietnam War, with 334 being shot down. The F-105 remained in service until 1980 with the U.S. Air Force, and a few continued flying with the Air National Guard until 1983.
The Thunderchief’s story began with a dramatic twist. On December 16, 1955, YF-105A 54-098 made an emergency landing at Edwards AFB after a high-speed test flight caused its main landing gear to malfunction. Roth was injured in the incident, but he survived. Unfortunately, the cost to repair the prototype was too high, and it was ultimately scrapped. Despite this setback, the legacy of the F-105 lives on as a testament to Cold War ingenuity and design.
In Case You Missed It
Two videos in one newsletter! Here’s my bio on the C-130:
Photo Outlet
This C-17 Globemaster may be carrying memory cards full of my photos - kidding of course, as I mentioned earlier, I do plan to take many pictures this weekend - looking forward to it!
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog