US Air Force receives new electronic warfare aircraft based on Gulfstream G550

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US Air Force receives new electronic warfare aircraft based on Gulfstream G550

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By Sky Industry News

Jan 6, 2025

The L3Harris EA-37B Compass Call is a new addition to the United States Air Force's electronic warfare fleet. Based on the Gulfstream G550, this aircraft was delivered for pilot training on August 23, 2024, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. It is set to replace the older EC-130H Compass Call and offers enhanced capabilities for disrupting enemy command and control operations.

According to the United States Air Force, "The primary purpose of the Compass Call electronic warfare jet is to assist in the disruption of enemy command and control operations." The aircraft can perform various missions including counter-command and intelligence gathering.

This modified private jet supports military initiatives by jamming radars and disrupting communication lines. Its main offensive capability lies in "the disruption of enemy sensor coordination," as stated by defense sources.

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The design story of the EA-37B began when L3 Technologies received a contract from the U.S. Air Force in September 2017. The goal was to create a lighter, more versatile aircraft using existing Gulfstream G550 technology while maintaining much of its predecessor's systems.

As reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine, "The jet is expected to maintain up to 70% of the mission-related systems that the EC-130H already used." Development continued over several years with significant modifications made by L3Harris.

Italy will become the first foreign operator after receiving approval from the U.S. State Department for a $680 million sale of two Electronic Attack mission systems. These will convert standard Gulfstream G550 models into electronic warfare-configured jets.

In terms of specifications, each EA-37B can carry up to nine crew members and has a maximum takeoff weight of 98,000 pounds with a range extending up to 4,410 miles.