The USA’s E-6 Fleet: Take Charge, And Move Out!
December 3/18: 3rd option year IAP Worldwide Services is being contracted to ensure the operational readiness of the US Air Force’s fleet of E-6B Mercury aircraft. Priced at $76.8 million, the modified contract exercises the third option year for logistics support services on the “survivable airborne communication system” airplanes. The E-6B Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft are 707-300 derivatives designed to support the Navy’s SSBN ballistic missile submarine force and overall strategic forces. The contract enables IAP Worldwide to maintain and support the Mercury and covers the provision of support equipment, aircraft weapon system parts, associated support sites, and supporting organizations. Work is expected to be completed in November 2019 with 70% of the work performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and 10% each done at facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland; Bellevue, Nebraska; and Fairfield, California.
(click to view full)
The USA’s E-6 Mercury (aka. TACAMO, as in TAke Charge And Move Out) “survivable airborne communication system” airplanes support their Navy’s SSBN ballistic missile submarine force and overall strategic forces. With the advent of the new “Tactical Trident” converted Ohio Class special operations subs, their unique capabilities become even more useful. The E-6B version also has a secondary role as a “Looking Glass” Airborne National Command Post, and in recent years they have seen use as communications relay stations over the front lines of combat.
Delivery of the first production E-6 aircraft took place in August 1989, with delivery of the 16th and final airplane coming in May 1992. This is DID’s FOCUS Article concerning the E-6 system, which includes details concerning the capabilities and associated contracts. The latest contracts involve important fleet upgrades, as the Navy tries to drag the jet’s systems into the 21st century.
E-6 Mercury: Messenger from On High
E-6B Upgrade Efforts
E-6 Mercury: Contracts and Key Events
FY 2013 – 2018
FY 2011 – 2012
FY 2009 – 2010
FY 2007 – 2008
FY 1990 – 2006
Additional Readings
Other National Command Jets
(click to view cutaway)
(click to view cutaway)
(click to view full)
(click to view full)
(click to view full)
(click to view full)
(click to view full)
Fill in the secure form below to activate your subscription right away (or pick another plan)
