The EC-130J was the Air Force’s primary psychological warfare platform, providing Military Information Support Operations (MISO) and civil affairs broadcast. Roles included offensive counterinformation radio, television, and military communications broadcast, EA, and/or SOF mobility. Aircraft are also equipped with enhanced self-protection including Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM) to counter MANPAD threats.
Legacy Commando Solo variants conducted psychological operations in almost every U.S. contingency since 1980 and the EC-130J debuted in combat during Enduring Freedom in 2001. With transition to the J model, USAF added a new, secondary mission resulting in the “Super J” variant. Three heavily modified EC-130J Commando Solos served as standard broadcasting stations for psychological warfare operations while the four “Super J’s” performed secondary, low-cost EA in addition to special operations. USAF began modernizing the fleet with the new Multi-Mission Platform-Heavy (MMP- H) digital broadcast system in 2018. The system included a roll-on internal payload as well as the external podded Communication EA Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CEASAR) and Long-Range Broadcast System (LRBS), giving both variants full MISO/EA capabilities. The software-defined digital system was capable of UHF/VHF and AM/ FM radio, cellular, and television broadcast as well as advanced EA at a stand-off range of up to 175 miles. Commando Solo and Super-J airframes were de-converted to quasi-standard C-130J conversion as part of AFSOC’s multimission fleet consolidation. Commando Solo flew its final broadcast sortie in 2022, with two former EC-130Js transferring to Hurlburt for use as systems integration test beds and two transferring to the Arkansas ANG’s 189th AW which is converting from C-130Hs to C-130Js. A converted EC130J was transferred to Eglin on July 17, 2024 , giving the C-130J program a dedicated test airframe. Deconfigured aircraft initially retained nonstandard aerial refuellable capabilities as well as AFSOC-style paint schemes, but are tentatively slated for full reconfiguration by late FY27.
EC-130J Commando Solo/Super J Technical Data
Contractors: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; Sierra Nevada Corp. (Link 16/ AbMN)
First Flight: November 2003
Delivered: Oct. 17, 1999-2006.
IOC: 2004.
Production: Seven.
Inventory: Five.
Operator: ANG.
Aircraft Location: Harrisburg Arpt., Pa.
Active Variants: •EC-130J Commando Solo. Modified C-130J used for broadcast and psyops. •EC-130J Super J. Modified C-130J used for SOF mobility and psyops.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 97.8 ft, height 38.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 164,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce-Allison AE2100D3 turboprops, each 4,637 shp.
Performance: Speed 335 mph cruise, range 2,645 miles (air refuelable).
Ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight systems officer, mission systems officer; two loadmasters, five electronic communications systems (CS) operators.
