Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call

The electronic warfare aircraft built for airborne communications disruption.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: C130 1982–Present Active $165 million (2019)

The Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call is a specialized electronic warfare aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. Developed from the C-130 Hercules airframe, it is designed to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems. The aircraft entered service in the 1980s.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Allison T56-A-15
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
4 × 4,590 shp · 3,423 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
13
Crew
—
Cabin width
10 ft 2 in  ·  3.10 m
Cabin height
8 ft 10 in  ·  2.70 m
Cabin length
40 ft 0 in  ·  12.20 m
Exterior length
97 ft 9 in  ·  29.79 m
Tail height
38 ft 3 in  ·  11.66 m
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 9 in  ·  4.20 m
Wing span
132 ft 7 in  ·  40.41 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
154,500 lb  ·  70,000 kg
Max landing weight
130,000 lb  ·  59,000 kg
Max payload
99,000 lb  ·  45,000 kg
Fuel capacity
10,000 gal · 37,900 L · 30,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
320 kt  ·  368 mph  ·  593 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
100 kt  ·  115 mph  ·  185 km/h
Range
2,295 nm  ·  2,640 mi  ·  4,250 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
25,000 ft  ·  7,600 m
Rate of climb
1,830 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,700 ft  ·  1,430 m
Landing distance
8,350 ft  ·  2,550 m
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EC 130H Compass Call

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Operational Context

Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call — electronic warfare aircraft

The EC-130H first flew in modified form in the early 1980s and entered service in 1983. It is based on the C-130 transport platform but extensively modified with mission equipment. The aircraft carries specialized antennas and electronic systems to conduct communications jamming.

Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines producing approximately 4,591 shaft horsepower each, the EC-130H cruises at around 300 knots (556 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 155,000 pounds (70,307 kg). The aircraft carries mission crews in addition to standard flight crew members.

The Compass Call has supported operations in multiple conflicts. Its role in electronic warfare enhances joint force effectiveness. The platform is gradually being replaced by newer systems, but its operational history remains significant.