Nuclear war command-and-control to include enhanced VLF capability
USN E-6B Mercury aircraft. (Photo: USAF/Staff Sgt Jacob Skovo)
US Naval Air Systems Command has selected Collins Aerospace for more work to help improve very-low frequency (VLF) communications from the C-130J Super Hercules platform.
A $16.28 million contract modification, announced on 25 July, will see the company provide updated security classification requirements plus preliminary design analysis and solution trade studies for an updated VLF receiver for the C-130J-30 Super Hercules.
The work forms part of broader developmental design and obsolescence mitigation engineering efforts for airborne VLF system modernisation to meet programme capability requirements.
The modernisation effort ‘is required to provide a compatible and producible VLF system to be integrated into a C-130 aircraft’, the DoD noted.
Work is expected to be completed in February 2024.
The USN has identified the C-130J to conduct the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) strategic communications role instead of the E-6B Mercury aircraft, which is earmarked for retirement.
The original $48.3 million contract for Collins Aerospace was announced on 22 February.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.