Northrop Grumman has won a U.S. Navy contract worth approximately $3.5 billion to provide mission-systems integration support for E-130J, the service branch’s new nuclear command, control and communications aircraft.
The Navy said Wednesday E-130J will replace the E-6B Mercury aircraft in performing the take charge and move out, or TACAMO, mission.
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” stated Carlos Del Toro, secretary of the Navy and a two-time Wash100 awardee. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
The Department of Defense said Naval Air Systems Command received two offers for the cost-plus-incentive-fee contract and expects work to occur in Florida, Georgia, Texas and other locations within the continental U.S. through December 2034.
Northrop will serve as the prime contractor, while Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will act as subcontractors to support airworthiness and integration work.
Contract Scope
The contract covers the production of three engineering development models, or EDMs, and includes options for up to three system demonstration test articles and up to six aircraft in the first production lot.
Northrop will integrate TACAMO mission systems, including Collins Aerospace’s very low frequency system, into government-furnished, Lockheed-built C-130J-30 aircraft.
According to DOD, the contract includes the development and procurement of training courseware and devices, integration laboratories, product support and initial spares and testing and delivery of three EDM aircraft.
In addition to Lockheed and Collins, the Northrop-led E-130J TACAMO industry team includes RTX business Raytheon, Crescent Systems and Long Wave.
What Is E-130J?
E-130J is part of the U.S. nuclear modernization program and is designed to maintain communications between U.S. decision-makers and the triad of nuclear weapon delivery systems even in the absence of ground-based communications.
Northrop said it has invested more than $1 billion in manufacturing and digital engineering capabilities associated with the E-130J program.
