BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies [LHX] on Tuesday said they have delivered the first of 10 EC-37B Compass Call electronic attack aircraft to the Air Force.
The EA-37B, which is based on
General Dynamics’ [GD] Gulfstream G550 business jet, will replace the larger, 40-year-old EC-130H Compass Call aircraft fleet. The companies said the G550 is faster, can stay aloft longer and operate at higher altitudes to give it “improved survivability and range.”
BAE is responsible for the mission system, which it produces at its electronic systems unit in New Hampshire. The companies said the Compass Call Airborne Electromagnetic Attack mission system “disrupts” enemy electronic equipment and suppresses enemy air defenses by thwarting communications between command-and-control platforms and weapon systems.
L3Harris integrates the mission system into the G550 at its aircraft missionization center in Texas.
“The delivery of the first EC-37B Compass Call is a major milestone for our customer’s electromagnetic attack capabilities,” Dave Harrold, vice president and general manager for counter measure and electromagnetic at BAE, said in a statement.
BAE and L3Harris are also the primary contractors on the EC-130H.