The USA’s E-6 Fleet: Take Charge, And Move Out!

E-6B TACAMO (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 Crazy ’bout a Mercury… (click to view cutaway) The U.S. Navy has a total fleet of 16 E-6B aircraft deployed from Tinker AFB, OK. The 707-300 derivatives have a range of about 5,500 miles, and can easily carry 23 crew members. […]