Editing Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call

{{short description|Communications jamming aircraft version of the C-130H Hercules}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = EC-130H Compass Call
| image = File:73-1580 Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call (framed).jpg
| caption = An EC-130H Compass Call departs [[Davis–Monthan Air Force Base|Davis-Monthan AFB]]
| type = [[Electronic warfare]] (EW), [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses]] (SEAD), offensive counter-information
| manufacturer = [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]] (airframe)<br>[[BAE Systems]] (prime mission equipment)<br>[[L-3 Communications|L3 Communications]] (aircraft integration and depot maintenance)
| designer = 
| first_flight = 1981
| introduction = 1983 ([[Initial operating capability|IOC]])
| retired = 
| status = 7 in service (2023)
| primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
| more_users = 
| produced = 
| number_built = 14 (USAF)
| unit cost = $165&nbsp;million
| developed_from= [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] 
| variants = 
}}

The '''EC-130H Compass Call''' is an [[electronic warfare|electronic attack]] aircraft flown by the [[United States Air Force]]. Based on the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]], the aircraft is heavily modified to disrupt enemy [[command and control]] communications, perform offensive counterinformation operations, and carry out other kinds of electronic attacks. Planned upgrades will add the ability to attack early warning and acquisition radars.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.acc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/199187/ec-130h-compass-call/ | title = EC-130H COMPASS CALL > Air Combat Command > Display | access-date = 13 January 2018 | publisher = Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office }}</ref> Based at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in Arizona, EC-130Hs can be deployed worldwide at short notice to support U.S. and allied strategic and tactical air, surface, and [[special operations forces]].

The EC-130H is one of the three main U.S. electronic warfare aircraft, along with the [[Boeing EA-18G Growler]], and [[F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16CJ/DJ Block 50D/52D|F-16CJ Fighting Falcon]], all of which can suppress enemy air defenses while jamming communications, radar, and command-and-control targets.<ref name=EC130Hfacts>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104550/ec-130h-compass-call/|access-date=8 March 2020|title=EC-130H Compass Call|work=Air Force }}</ref>

In September 2017, the Air Force announced that [[L3 Technologies]] will serve as the lead systems integrator for a future Compass Call aircraft based on the [[Gulfstream G550]] business jet.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/09/08/l3-gets-compass-call-contract-names-gulfstream-as-airframe-provider/ | date = 8 September 2017 | title = L3 gets Compass Call contract, names Gulfstream as airframe provider | first = Valerie | last = Insinna | work = Defense News | publisher = Sightline Media Group}}</ref> The new Compass Call platform was designated as [[EA-37B Compass Call|EA-37B]] by [[Air Combat Command]] on November 14, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title= EC-37B Mission Design Series designation change to EA-37B |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3588046/ec-37b-mission-design-series-designation-change-to-ea-37b/ |website=Air Combat Command |date=14 November 2023 |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tirpak |first1=John A. |title=New EC-37B Gets a Designation Change to EA-37B |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-ec-37b-designation-change-ea-37b/ |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=20 November 2023 |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref> The EC-130H is based on the C-130 Hercules, which is a mid-sized four turboprop engine military transport originally developed in the 1950s, but has been upgraded many times and been the basis for many specialized versions including for electronic warfare. (see [[Lockheed EC-130]])

== Design ==

=== Crew ===
[[File:Systems operators determine targets to be jammed by EC-130H Hercules aircraft. The EC-130Hs, which are flying under the project name of Compass Call, are modified to confuse and dis - DPLA - 94d7d5a841f6927aad79f1ad61536c4b.jpeg|thumb|left|Compass Call crew, 1989]]
The EC-130H aircraft carries a combat crew of 13 people. Four members handle aircraft flight and navigation (aircraft commander, co-pilot, navigator, and flight engineer), while nine members operate and employ the EA mission equipment permanently integrated into the cargo/mission compartment. The mission crew includes the mission crew commander (electronic warfare officer), weapon system officer (electronic warfare officer), mission crew supervisor (an experienced cryptologic linguist), four analysis operators (linguists), one acquisition operator, and an airborne maintenance technician.<ref name="af.mil">{{cite web|title=Factsheets : EC-130H Compass Call |url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=190 |publisher=United States Air Force |date=5 November 2010 |access-date=25 July 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720200900/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=190 |archive-date=20 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Aircraft ===
[[File:The new EC-130H Compass Call Block 30 Aircraft, 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron (ECS), arrives at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on 11 March 1997. The Compass Call (CC) airc - DPLA - e774293e8c90771419a204242876e7ae.jpeg|thumb|A new EC-130H Compass Call Block 30 arrives at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona in 1997]]
The EC-130H fleet is composed of a mix of Baseline 1 and 2 aircraft.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

The Block 35 Baseline 1 EC-130H provides the Air Force with additional capabilities to jam communication, Early Warning/Acquisition radar, and navigation systems through higher effective radiated power, extended frequency range, and insertion of digital signal processing compared to earlier EC-130Hs.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

Baseline 1 aircraft have the flexibility to keep pace with adversary use of emerging technology. It promotes enhanced crew proficiency, maintenance, and sustainment with a common fleet configuration, new operator interface, increased reliability, and better fault detection.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

Baseline 2 has several upgrades to ease operator workload and improve effectiveness. Improved external communications allow Compass Call crews to maintain situational awareness and connectivity in dynamic operational and tactical environments. Aircraft communication capabilities are improved with the expansion of satellite communications connectivity compatible with emerging DoD architectures, increased multi-asset coordination nets, and upgraded data-link terminals.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

Delivery of Baseline-2 provides the Air Force with the equivalent of a "fifth generation electronic attack capability," providing improved aircraft performance and survivability.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

A majority of the improvements found in the EC-130H Compass Call Baseline-2 are classified modifications to the mission system that enhance precision and increase attack capabilities.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

== Operational history ==
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
[[File:42d Electronic Combat Squadron EC-130H Compass Call 1986.jpg|thumb|EC-130H Compass Call lands at [[Sembach Airbase]], West Germany in 1986]]
[[File:A U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron sits parked on the ramp at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 2, 2020.jpg|thumb|EC-130H in 2020]]
The Compass Call had its first flight in 1981, was delivered to the Air Force in 1982, and reached initial operating capability in 1983.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

All EC-130H Compass Call aircraft are assigned to [[Air Combat Command]]. The EC-130H is operated by the 55th Electronic Combat Group (ECG) consisting of two operational squadrons (41st and 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron (ECS)), a formal training unit (the 42nd ECS), the 755th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), and the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS). The 55th ECG is a tenant unit of the [[355th Fighter Wing]] at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Although located at Davis-Monthan, the group reports to the 55th Wing at [[Offutt AFB]], Nebraska.<ref name=EC130Hfacts/>

Compass Call has been used in [[Yugoslavia]], [[Haiti]], [[Panama]], [[Iraq]], [[Afghanistan]], and elsewhere.

From 2002 to 2015, EC-130Hs participating in [[Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan]] and [[Operation Freedom's Sentinel]] flew over 40,000 hours during 6,900 combat sorties.<ref>{{cite web |title=41st EECS Scorpions defend the force with Compass Call |url=https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/455th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Display/Article/616833/41st-eecs-scorpions-defend-the-force-with-compass-call/ |first=Tony |last=Wickman |work=U.S. Air Forces Central Command |date=11 September 2015 |access-date=25 July 2016}}</ref>

On 15 January 2020, the first EC-130H Compass Call (serial number 73-01587) was retired from active service. The aircraft was the first EC-130H Compass Call delivered to the Air Force in March 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/first-final-flight-for-compass-call-usaf-retires-its-first-specially-modified-ec-130h-aircraft/|access-date=8 April 2020|title=First Final Flight For Compass Call: USAF Retires its First Specially Modified EC-130 Aircraft|date=20 February 2020 }}</ref>

==Operators==
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Air Force]]
** [[Air Combat Command]]
*** [[55th Electronic Combat Group]]

== Specifications (EC-130H) ==
[[File:Tennessee Air National Guard - Lockheed EC-130H - 89-1185 - "Music 85" (4096811243).jpg|thumb|Tennessee Air National Guard EC-130H Compass Call]]
[[File:EC-130H Compass Call 060617.jpg|thumb|EC-130H Compass Call, 2007]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Air Force Link: EC-130H Compass Call<ref name="af.mil"/>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=13
|length ft=98
|length in=9
|length note=
|span ft=132
|span in=7
|span note=
|height ft=38
|height in=3
|height note=
|wing area sqft=37
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A318]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 64A412]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=101000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=155000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=around 100000 liters
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[Allison T56-A-15]]
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engines
|eng1 shp=4591
|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=4
|prop name= constant-speed fully feathering reversible propellers
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=13
|prop dia in=6
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed mph=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed mph=300
|cruise speed note= (M0.5)
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed note=
|range miles=2641
|range note=
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=25000
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/weight=
|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=*[[C-130 Hercules]]
*[[EC-130E Rivet Rider]]
*[[EC-130 Commando Solo|EC-130J Commando Solo]]
*[[MC-130 Combat Talon|MC-130H Combat Talon II]]
|similar aircraft=

|lists=

}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call}}
* [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123030212/ Air Force Link: Air Force news story (Compass Call continues to 'Jam' enemy)]
* [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123025124/ Air Force Link: Air Force news story ('Bats' shield Airmen from harm)]
* [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123011849/ Air Force Link: Air Force news story (Airpower supports Afghan elections)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130327213333/http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/89728/ec-130h-compass-call.html Military.com: EC-130H Compass Call]
* [http://www.aircraftguru.com/aircraft/aircraft-information.php?craftid=19 AircraftGuru.com: EC-130H Compass Call]

{{Lockheed Hercules}}
{{Lockheed}}

[[Category:Lockheed aircraft|C-130H, E]]
[[Category:1980s United States electronic warfare aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Lockheed C-130 Hercules|EC-130H]]
[[Category:Electronic warfare]]
[[Category:Electronic countermeasures]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]