Quantcast

USAF integrates new EC-37B jet for enhanced electronic warfare

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Global Industry News
USAF integrates new EC-37B jet for enhanced electronic warfare
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The United States Air Force (USAF) has started integrating the EC-37B Compass Call into its fleet, marking a significant step in modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on August 23, 2024, for crew training after its first test flight on May 4, 2023, from L3 Harris’ Integration and Modification Center in Waco, Texas.

Replacing the aging EC-130H that has been in service since 1983, the EC-37B is built on a reconfigured G550 business aircraft. The USAF plans to acquire ten of these new aircraft, with five already constructed. During this transition, 70% of the hardware from the EC-130H is being transferred to the new model while 30% undergoes upgrades.

Electronic warfare plays a crucial role in military operations by disrupting enemy access to equipment reliant on the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). This capability is vital for intelligence gathering, communications, navigation, and more. "The EC-37B sustains Joint Force military advantage in the electromagnetic battlespace," states the Air Force Air Combat Command.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
Subscribe
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

A key feature of the EC-37B is BAE Systems' Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER), which shifts EMS warfare capabilities from hardware to software-based systems using Software Defined Radios (SDRs). These radios provide flexibility through an open system architecture.

Another notable component transferred from the EC-130H is the APQ-122 multi-function radar. This dual-frequency radar serves various functions including long-range navigation and weather avoidance.

The aircraft's electronic attack capabilities are enhanced by systems like SPASM Jamming that emit signals to degrade enemy electronics while protecting US systems. An Electronic Warfare Officer aboard each flight specializes in countering air defense threats and gathering intelligence.

Additionally, cryptologic linguists play a critical role by managing airborne signals intelligence information systems and translating voice communications during missions.

With its advanced features and increased range compared to predecessors like the EC-130H, "the EA-37B will remain in high demand" as it provides extended operational periods with improved safety due to less-contested airspace conditions.

Organizations Included in this History
Simple Flying
More News

A380 aircraft with more than 500 seats set to service seven US routes

A typical flight in the United States consists of 134 seats per departure, a number significantly influenced by regional jets on domestic routes.

Apr 28, 2025

Transavia announces new routes amid regulatory changes at Schiphol Airport

Transavia, the Dutch division of Air France-KLM's low-cost airline, has announced the addition of three new routes from the Netherlands for the upcoming winter season.

Apr 28, 2025

Southwest Airlines revises delivery schedule for Boeing 737 MAX orders

Southwest Airlines has announced changes in the delivery schedule of its Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft.

Apr 28, 2025

Cathay Pacific resumes Dallas flights, replaces American Airlines on Hong Kong route

Cathay Pacific has officially commenced service to Dallas/Fort Worth, marking its eighth passenger destination in North America.

Apr 28, 2025

Boeing faces financial strain as US-China trade tensions impact aircraft deliveries

At the time of writing, the United States and China are engaged in a tariff trade war, resulting in significant economic tensions between the two countries.

Apr 28, 2025

United Airlines boosts long-haul routes with recent Boeing 737 expansions

United Airlines operates a substantial fleet, larger than any other passenger airline, with a significant proportion being Boeing 737s.

Apr 28, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.