The US Air Force’s (USAF) EC-130H Compass Call airborne tactical weapon system has received an avionic viability programme (AVP) upgrade.
More than $45m was spent on the upgradation of the aircraft for three years.
The upgrade improves the aircraft's combat effectiveness, while maintaining compliance with federal and international aviation regulations.
Work under the upgradation included the addition of liquid crystal displays to the cockpit, which will provide pilots with vital flight information.
The new radar upgrades have improved the EC-130H's navigation performance in order to sharpen tactics, techniques and procedures for precision electronic attack.
USAF 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron operations assistant director major Gerardo Sanchez said: “Currently, we have two aircraft here at (Davis-Monthan Air Force Base) with the 55th (Electronic Combat Group), and we have two more scheduled for delivery.
“With the new upgrades, we can grab the information with the push of a button.
“It increases the pilot’s situational awareness tenfold.”
The 55th Electronic Combat Group has set up a 20-member team to train personnel to operate the upgraded aircraft.
The training for all flight deck personnel is projected to be completed in March next year.
The entire EC-130 fleet is expected to receive the AVP upgrade in the future.
The EC-130H Compass Call is used to disrupt enemy command and control communications and to limit adversary coordination essential for enemy force management.
The aircraft was used on enemy command and control networks in multiple military operations including Kosovo, Haiti, Panama, Libya, Iraq, Serbia and Afghanistan.
Image: Airmen from the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron perform pre-flight checks in an EC-130H Compass Call. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force.
