To lessen the tremendous burden on its fleet of EC-130H Compass Call communications jamming aircraft, the Air Force is requesting funds in Fiscal 2011 to acquire one additional EC-130 aircraft, Maj. Gen. David Scott, director of operational capability requirements on the Air Staff, told House lawmakers Wednesday. Appearing before the House Appropriations Committee’s defense panel, Scott said the service is also requesting a combined flight deck and mission crew simulator and extra space parts for the EC-130Hs. Compass Calls are “the Air Force’s only dedicated irregular warfare airborne electronic attack aircraft,” said Scott. Among their contributions, these heavily tasked aircraft help to counter remotely controlled enemy improvised explosive devices. According to one Air Force 2011 budget document, the service would convert one of its WC-130 aircraft to the EC-130 configuration with the requested funds. And the combined simulator would increase crew readiness and proficiency.
ACC Unveils New Way to Measure Readiness
May 9, 2025
Air Combat Command is changing how it measures and tracks readiness for its fleet of aircraft, with a top general saying the focus is on “simplicity” and better articulating what its wings need.