AF.mil  
Join the Air Force

Information > Factsheets > EC-130J Commando Solo
EC-130J COMMANDO SOLO
EC-130J
View All Media
Next Image
Download

Fact Sheet Tools
 Printable Fact Sheet


Mission
The EC-130J 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. The Air Force Special Operations Command's 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa., has total responsibility for the Commando Solo missions.

Features
Many modifications have been made to the 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 airborne radio and television broadcast mission originated in the mid-1960s with the EC-121 (known as Coronet Solo). The mission later transitioned to the EC-130E (1980) and eventually to the EC-130J (2004). 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 citizens 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. In 2001, the Commando Solo aircraft broadcasted messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2003, the Commando Solo was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, the EC-130J was redeployed to the Middle East in support of the War on Terror.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Psychological operations and information operations
Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Co.
Power Plant: AE2100D3 six-blade turboprops
Thrust: 6,000 shaft horsepower each engine
Wingspan: 132.6 feet (40.3 meters)
 Length: 97.75 feet (29.7 meters)
Height: 38.8 feet (11.8 meters)
Cruise speed:  335 mph
Ceiling: 28,000 feet (8,534 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds (74,390 kilograms)
Range: 2,300 nautical miles unrefueled
Crew: Pilot, copilot, flight systems officer, mission systems officer; loadmaster, five electronic communications systems operators 
Initial operating capability: 2004
Unit Cost: 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.


October 2007



Inside AF.mil
Search
Advanced Search

Aircraft
A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II
AC-130H/U Gunship
B-1B Lancer
B-2 Spirit
B-52 Stratofortress
C-130 Hercules
C-17 Globemaster III
C-20
C-21
C-32
C-37A
C-40B/C
C-5 Galaxy
CV-22 Osprey
E-3 Sentry (AWACS)
E-4B
E-8C Joint Stars
E-9A
EC-130H Compass Call
EC-130J Commando Solo
F-15 Eagle
F-15E Strike Eagle
F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-22 Raptor
HC-130P/N
HH-60G Pave Hawk
KC-10 Extender
KC-135 Stratotanker
MC-130E/H Combat Talon I/II
MC-130P Combat Shadow
MC-130W Combat Spear
MH-53J/M Pave Low
OC-135B Open Skies
RC-135U Combat Sent
RC-135V/W Rivet Joint
T-1A Jayhawk
T-37 Tweet
T-38 Talon
T-43A
T-6A Texan II
U-2S/TU-2S
UH-1N Huey
VC-25 - Air Force One
WC-130 Hercules
WC-135 Constant Phoenix

Site Map      Contact Us     Questions     Security and Privacy notice     FOIA Disclaimer