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Air ForcesUnited States

EC-130H (Compass Call)

Airborne electronic warfare systemFielded 1983Pending verification
Air ForcesUSA
Length 29.8 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAirborne electronic warfare system
Date of introduction1983
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerLockheed Corporation Lockheed MartinMed[1]
Crew11Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length29.8 m98 ftMed[1]
Wingspan40.41 m133 ftMed[1]
Wing area162.12 m sqMed[1]
Height11.4 m37 ftMed[1]
Max takeoff weight69,750 kg153,772 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine4 x Allison T56-A-15Med[1]
Thrust / power4,591 shp eachMed[1]
Speed589 km/h366 mph · 318 ktMed[1]
Service ceiling7,077 m23,219 ftMed[1]
Landing run518 mMed[1]
Rate of climb579 m/minMed[1]
Protection
EW countermeasurescountermeasures include chaff, flares, active and passive RF decoys, and active and passive electro-optical decoys.Med[1]
Chaff/FlaresYesMed[1]
AN/AAQ-24(V) Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) SystemAdvanced IR countermeasure to defeat IR homing missiles.Med[1]
Armament and payload
Mission Systems: tactical radio acquisition and countermeasures subsystem (tracs c)Digital, programmable receiver suite enabling target acquisition.Med[1]
Mission Systems: special emitter array (spear) jamming podActive jamming system with two-way data link capability.Med[1]
Fire control
Navigation RadarAN/APN-241 weather and navigational radar.Med[1]
Communications UpgradeThe communication suite upgrades include more multi-asset coordination nets; modernized data link terminals; and expansion of satellite communications connectivity.Med[1]
Radar UpgradeEarly warning/acquisition radar and navigation systems performance improved with higher radiated energy and extended frequency range.Med[1]
Variants
EC-130E ABNCCThis was an EC-130E with an airborne command and control center (ABNCC) in a roll-on/roll-off tactical command post capsule.[1]
EC-130G/QA U.S. Navy C-130E fitted with AN/USC-13 TACAMO (take charge and move out) communications equipment by Rockwell was used in support of strategic missile submarines.[1]
EC-130J Commando SoloHighly specialized modifications have been made to the aircraft. Included in these modifications are enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment and the capability of broadcasting color television on a multitude of worldwide standards throughout…[1]
Summary

The EC-130H Compass Call is an airborne tactical EW weapon system with a primary mission to disrupt enemy command and control.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
United States
Sources
  1. EC-130H (Compass Call) American Airborne Electronic Warfare System, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import