EC-130H "Compass Call"

Commands: Air Combat Command and Air Force Materiel Command

Mission: Compass Call is the designation for a modified version of the C-130 "Hercules" aircraft configured to perform tactical command, control, and communications countermeasures. Specifically, the aircraft uses noise jamming to prevent communication or the transfer of information essential to command and control of weapon systems and other resources. It primarily supports tactical air operations but also can provide jamming support to ground force operations. Special equipment/features Modifications to the aircraft include an electronic countermeasures system (Rivet Fire), air refueling capability, and associated navigation and communications systems. Rivet Fire demonstrated its effect on enemy command and control networks in Panama and Iraq.

Overview: Compass Call is the designation for a modified version of Lockheed corporation's C-130 "Hercules" aircraft configured to perform tactical command, control and communications countermeasures or C3CM. Specifically, the modified aircraft uses noise jamming to prevent communication or degrade the transfer of information essential to command and control of weapon systems and other resources. It primarily supports tactical air operations but also can provide jamming support to ground force operations.

Modifications to the aircraft include an electronic countermeasures system (Rivet Fire), and air refueling capability and associated navigation and communications systems. Rivet Fire has demonstrated its powerful effect on enemy command and control networks in Panama and Iraq.

In the world of Electronic Combat, the major players are the EF-111 "Ravens", F-16 "Fighting Falcons" and the EC-130H "Compass Call". Forming the EC triad, these forces:

	Jam targets
	Insert deception to confuse
	Destroy critical targets

Compass Call integrates into tactical air operation at any level. Although Compass Call primarily supports interdiction and offensive counter-air campaigns, the truly versatile and flexible nature of the aircraft and its crew enable the power of EC to be brought to bear on virtually any combat situations.

The EC-130H aircraft carries a combat crew of 13 people. Four members are responsible for aircraft flight and navigation, while nine members operate and maintain the Rivet Fire equipment. The mission crew consists of an electronic warfare officer, who is the mission crew commander (MCC), and experienced cryptologic linguist is the mission crew supervisor (MCS), six analysis operators and an airborne maintenance technician (AMT).

Aided by the automated system, the crew analyze the signal environment, designate targets and ensure the system is operating effectively. Targets can be designated before the mission takes off, acquired in flight or the MCC/MCS can receive additional tasking at any time from outside agencies (i.e. Airborne Warning and Control System, RC-135 and Airborne Command and Control System.)

Compass Call is tasked by all the unified commands and therefore subject to worldwide deployment in support of tactical air/ground forces on very short notice.

The Compass Call EC-130H is flown by the 355th Wing's 41st and 43rd Electronic Combat Squadrons, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

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