Compass Call Gulfstream on Track for Service in 2023 | Aviation International News

Compass Call Gulfstream on Track for Service in 2023

The G550 business jet platform is taking over the communications intelligence and jamming role from the EC-130H Hercules.

Wearing primer and registered to Gulfstream as N591GA, one of the first EC-37Bs is seen during a visit to the 55th ECG at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which is the home base for the Compass Call aircraft. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

August 23, 2022

The Compass Call Rehost program is now in full swing, with at least five aircraft in production. L3Harris is the prime contractor for the effort to outfit G550 business jets for the communications disruption mission, in partnership with aircraft OEM Gulfstream and primary mission systems lead BAE Systems. The aircraft will be designated EC-37B in U.S. Air Force service.

Last week one of the initial batch paid a visit to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, affording the unit that will operate the EC-37Bs—the 55th Electronic Combat Group (ECG) of the 55th Wing—a chance to inspect their new aircraft. Ground testing of the system is scheduled to begin early next year, with the first five EC-37Bs expected to enter service later in 2023. The current requirement stands at 10 aircraft but is likely to grow to perhaps 14 to replace the EC-130Hs on a one-for-one basis. The 55th ECG has already started the process of phasing out the EC-130H, with five aircraft retired to date.

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