Northrop Grumman details bid for US Navy TACAMO aircraft replacement
The E-XX replacement for the E-6 fleet will be based on a C-130J airframe. (Photo: USN)
The company believes its role as prime contractor on the E-2 Hawkeye puts it in a strong position for the programme to replace the USN's Boeing E-6 Mercury fleet.
Northrop Grumman aims to leverage its experience on the E-2 Hawkeye carrier-based AEW aircraft to compete for the USN's E-XX TACAMO (TAke Charge And Move Out) aircraft programme.
The E-XX will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules platform and will provide connectivity between the senior commanders and nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
The USN currently operates 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft to provide survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications.
The service intends to replace the E-6B fleet with the E-XX to modernise this strategic deterrent mission.
Janice Zilch, VP multi-domain command and control programmes at Northrop Grumman said: 'As we’ve demonstrated with the navy’s E-2 programmes, we have been a long-time partner in helping the navy meet its operational requirements. We will bring this expertise in helping the navy deliver the E-XX TACAMO on time and optimised for this strategically important mission.'
Northrop Grumman has worked on development, production and modification of the E-2 as prime contractor since the 1960s.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-130J) [USN]
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