EC-130E/J COMMANDO SOLO
Mission
The EC-130E/J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, conducts information operations, psychological operations and civil affairs broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands. A typical mission consists of a single-ship orbit offset from the desired target audience -- either military or civilian personnel.
Features
Many modifications have been made to Commando Solo. These include enhanced navigation systems, self-protection equipment, air refueling and the capability of broadcasting radio and color TV on all worldwide standards.
Background
The Air Force Special Operations Command's 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middleton, Pa., has total responsibility for the Commando Solo missions.
The EC-130E aircraft flown by the 193rd SOW were originally modified using mission electronic equipment transferred from the older EC-121 (known as Coronet Solo). Soon after the 193rd SOW received EC-130s, the Air National Guard unit participated in the rescue of American citizens in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983. Then known as Volant Solo, the aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the people of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action.
Several years later in 1989, Volant Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in Operation Just Cause. During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime.
In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo, with no change in mission.
In 1990-91, Commando Solo was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender.
In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.
Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193rd SOW and Commando Solo supported the United Nations' Operation Joint Guard with radio and TV broadcasts over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Stabilization Forces operations. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The Commando Solo was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing and assist in the expulsion of the Serbs from the region. Most recently, the aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom. More recently, the Commando Solo has been deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Psychological and information operations
Builder: Lockheed Aircraft Co.
Power Plant:
EC-130E, Four Allison T56-A-15 four-blade turboprops;
EC-130J, AE2100D3 six-blade turboprops
Thrust:
EC-130E, 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine;
EC-130J, 6,000 shaft horsepower each engine
Length:
EC-130E, 100 feet, 6 inches (30.6 meters);
EC-130J, 97.75 feet (29.7 meters)
Height:
EC-130E, 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters);
EC-130J, 38.8 feet (11.8 meters)
Wingspan:
EC-130E, 132 feet, 7 inches (40.2 meters);
EC-130J, 132.6 feet (40.3 meters)
Cruise speed: EC-130E, 305 mph; EC-130J, 335 mph
Ceiling:
EC-130E, 25,000 feet (7,620 meters);
EC-130J, 28,000 feet (8,534 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range:
EC-130E, 1,500 nautical miles unrefueled;
EC-130J, 2,300 nautical miles unrefueled
Crew:
EC-130E, pilot, copilot, navigator, mission control chief; flight engineer, loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators, five electronic communications systems operators
EC-130J, pilot, copilot, flight systems officer, mission systems officer; loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators
Date Deployed: 1986
Unit Flyaway Cost:
EC-130E, approximately $70 million;
EC-130J, approximately $90 million
Inventory: Active force, 0; Reserve, 0; ANG, 6
Point of Contact
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office; 229 Cody Ave, Ste 103; Hurlburt Field FL 32544-5312; DSN 579-5515 or (850) 884-5515.
September 2004
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