Northrop Wins U.S. Navy’s $3.5B Contract to Develop E-6B Mercury Aircraft Successor

The U.S. Navy has announced a $3.5 billion contract awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems to integrate mission systems for the E-130J aircraft, which will succeed the E-6B Mercury in the vital Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.

The TACAMO mission ensures U.S. leaders can communicate with nuclear forces even during emergencies or attacks.

Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman will serve as the primary contractor for integrating TACAMO mission systems into government-furnished C-130J-30 airframes manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation. The contract includes three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six production aircraft in the first lot.

Collins Aerospace will provide the Very Low Frequency (VLF) system to support the TACAMO mission, while Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace will act as directed subcontractors for integration and airworthiness support.

The E-130J will support the U.S. nuclear modernization program by ensuring secure communication between national leadership and nuclear forces during emergencies. It joins other modernization efforts, including Columbia-class submarines, the B-21 Raider bomber, and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system.

Replacing the E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will relieve its predecessor of the TACAMO mission while the E-6B continues to handle its dual role, including the Looking Glass mission, which facilitates airborne control of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Navy selected Northrop Grumman through a competitive source selection process that evaluated technical approach and cost. The request for proposals was issued on September 21, 2023, with submissions due by April 22, 2024. Work on the program begins immediately, managed by the Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.