EC-130E Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC)

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Command: Air Combat Command

Mission: The EC-130E is a modified C-130 "Hercules" aircraft designed to carry the ABCCC capsules. While functioning as an extension of ground-based command and control authorities, the primary mission is providing flexibility in the overall control of tactical air resources. In addition to maintaining control of air operations, ABCCC can provide communications to higher headquarters, including national command authorities, in both peace and wartime environments. Special equipment/features These one of a kind aircraft include the addition of external antennae to accommodate the vast number of radios in the capsule, heat exchanger pods for additional air conditioning, an aerial refueling system, and special mounted rails for uploading and downloading the capsule. The ABCCC system is a high-tech automated airborne command and control facility featuring computer generated color displays, digitally controlled communications, and rapid data retrieval. The platform's 23 fully securable radios, secure teletype, and 15 automatic fully computerized consoles, allow the battlestaff to analyze current combat situations and direct offensive air support.

The squadron's seven one-of-a-kind EC-130E Hercules aircraft have been modified to carry the Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center III capsule, which houses a 12-person battlestaff.

The battlestaff includes operations, intelligence and communications personnel, provides the majority of the squadron's mission: to provide unified and theater commanders and ABCCC, with capability for combat operations during war, contingencies, exercises and special classified missions. The 42nd ACCS organizes and maintains a highly trained force of mission ready crew members and specially equipped EC-130E aircraft to support worldwide combat operations.

Using unparalleled communications capability provided by 23 secure radios, two teletype terminals and computer-generated displays, the battlestaff also exercise the vital control function of directing air strikes in support of ground operations. The squadron flies daily and participates in exercises and contingencies throughout the world.

The squadron employs the ABCCC III capsule. The state-of-the-art, third generation capsule is the newest in a series of capsules that have been used since the squadron's modern-day mission was established during the Vietnam conflict.

A separate and removable piece of equipment from the airframe which carries it, the ABCCC III capsule contains computer generated displays, digital communications capabilities and satellite communications radios.

Continuos modifications and additions to the capsule ensure a continued role in ACC's mission, meeting the needs of the combat air forces now and into the 21st century.

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