Northrop Grumman Bags $3.4bn TACAMO Deal

Northrop Grumman (NG) has secured a contract worth almost $3.5 billion from the U.S. Navy to develop the next generation of airborne nuclear strike communications.

The Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) concept was conceived when it became clear that land-based comms systems could be vulnerable in the event of a significant nuclear exchange.

TACAMO comes under the auspices of the U.S. Navy's Strategic Communications Wing One, part of  U.S. Strategic Command.

It currently deploys a fleet of E-6B Mercury aircraft which can simultaneously communicate with land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) silos, airborne nuclear assets carried in bombers such as the B-1 Lancer, the B-2 Stealth, and the forthcoming B-21 Raider, and ballistic missile submarines.

The new contract is to carry out mission-systems integration for its successor, the E-130J, based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

Under the deal NG will be the prime contractor integrating TACAMO equipment, including the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency system, into the E-130J-30 aircraft.

As per a recent U.S. Navy press statement, the contract is for three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six aircraft in the first production run. 

NG vice president and general manager of its global surveillance division, Jane Bishop commented: “Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B prove we deliver on what we promise, and we will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission.”

“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”

• You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website and the NG website