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

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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 is developing the EC-37B Compass Call, a next-generation tactical jammer aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet, to replace its aging EC-130H fleet.
Designed to disrupt enemy communications and navigation, the EC-37B offers significantly enhanced flight performance, speed, endurance, and improved survivability, making it "more lethal" than its predecessor.
The program, involving Gulfstream, L3Harris, and BAE Systems, is progressing well, with three EC-37Bs already delivered and the first five aircraft expected to be fielded next year, aiming for full service within five years.

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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.