EC-130G/Q TACAMO
In 1965, the Navy procured a number of C-130Gs to provide support to Polaris submarines and the exchange of their crews. Essentially the same as the F-model, these aircraft have increased structural strength, allowing higher gross weight operation. All models feature crew and cargo compartment pressurization, single-point refueling and a Doppler navigation system. The four of these aircraft were later modified as TACAMO communications relay aircraft and were redesignated EC-130G. After replacement by the E-6A, three aircraft were returned to transport configuration (albeit with no cargo ramp) as TC-130Gs, one now serving as the Blue Angels support aircraft, Fat Albert.
One other model, the EC-130Q, served in two VQ squadrons. This version had a permanently installed VLF radio transmitter system used to supplement shorebased communications facilities and acted as strategic communications aircraft, communicating with ballistic-missile submarines, under the TACAMO program.
Boeing derived the E-6A aircraft from its commercial 707 to replace the aging EC-130Q and perform the Navy's TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission of providing secure, survivable, jam-resistant strategic communications relay for fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
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