Boeing E-6 Tacamo

The airborne command aircraft built for strategic communications.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: E6 1989–Present Active $142 million (2009)

The Boeing E-6 TACAMO is a communications relay aircraft developed for U.S. Navy strategic missions. Based on the 707 airframe, it supports nuclear command and control networks. The aircraft entered service in the late 1980s.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × CFMI CFM-56-2A-2
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 22,000 lbf · 98 kN
Avionics
AN/ARC-182 VHF/UHF TxRx, AN/ARC-190 HF
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
22
Crew
—
Cabin width
11 ft 6 in  ·  3.50 m
Cabin height
7 ft 3 in  ·  2.20 m
Cabin length
111 ft 3 in  ·  33.90 m
Exterior length
150 ft 3 in  ·  45.80 m
Tail height
42 ft 5 in  ·  12.93 m
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 2 in  ·  3.70 m
Wing span
148 ft 4 in  ·  45.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
340,500 lb  ·  154,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
146,000 lb  ·  66,000 kg
Fuel capacity
24,000 gal · 90,800 L · 72,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
522 kt  ·  601 mph  ·  967 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
6,600 nm  ·  7,600 mi  ·  12,220 km
Fuel burn
0.27 nm/gal  ·  0.13 km/L
Ceiling
40,000 ft  ·  12,200 m
Rate of climb
3,500 ft/min  ·  18 m/s
Takeoff distance
7,000 ft  ·  2,130 m
Landing distance
6,000 ft  ·  1,830 m
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Boeing E-6B Mercury ‘164406’

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Operational Context

Boeing E-6 TACAMO — airborne strategic communications aircraft

The E-6 first flew in 1987 and entered service in 1989. It replaced earlier EC-130 aircraft in the TACAMO role, which stands for Take Charge and Move Out. The aircraft is equipped with extensive communications systems to link strategic forces.

Powered by four CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each, the E-6 cruises at around 450 knots (830 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 340,000 pounds (154,200 kg). Specialized antenna systems extend from the aircraft during operations.

The E-6 plays a vital role in maintaining continuous strategic communications. Upgraded variants perform additional command functions. The aircraft remains an integral part of U.S. strategic deterrence infrastructure.