Air Force Tests an Electronic Attack Jet Based on Gulfstream’s G550

The EC-37B tactical jammer is slated to replace the C-130-based EC-130H Compass Call.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 02:15 PM ET

Verified

The EC-37B tactical jammer is slated to replace the C-130-based EC-130H Compass Call. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force's EC-37B Compass Call, a next-generation tactical jammer built on the Gulfstream G550 business jet, is progressing well and slated to enter service within five years, with initial aircraft expected next year.
Designed to replace the EC-130H, the EC-37B offers enhanced flight performance, increased speed and endurance, and modernized electromagnetic attack capabilities to disrupt enemy command and control systems.
Equipped with BAE Systems and L3Harris technology, the new platform aims to be "more lethal" with improved stand-off jamming and survivability, with three of the planned ten aircraft already delivered for integration and testing.

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The U.S. Air Force’s EC-37B Compass Call, the next-generation tactical jammer aircraft program based on a business jet airframe, is “progressing well” and on track to enter service within the next five years, according to the service.

The EC-37B is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet airframe and kitted out with electromagnetic warfare equipment from BAE Systems and L3Harris. It’s slated to replace the C-130 Hercules-based EC-130H Compass Call tactical weapon system that’s been in service since the early 1980s.