Aircraft Basing: Decision to Base Navy TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) Aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

摘要

The report reviews the Navy's decision to base its new E-6A TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. TACAMO aircraft provide emergency communications with ballistic missile firing submarines. At least one aircraft operates over the Atlantic Ocean and another over the Pacific Ocean at all times. Currently, 18 EC-130 TACAMO aircraft are assigned to two squadrons. The E-6A is presently in development and will replace the EC-130. A prototype was delivered in December 1986. Fourteen operational E-6As are to be delivered in 1989 and 1990. The E-6A is a derivative of the Boeing 707-320 commercial aircraft and will use a version of the commercial CFM-56 jet engine. Most of the EC-130 avionics equipment will be removed, refurbished, and installed aboard the E-6As. In the mid-1990s, this equipment will be upgraded or replaced.