U.S. Air Force Retires EC-130H Compass Call
The U.S. Air Force has retired its last EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft, with its final flight conducted alongside its replacement, the
The U.S. Air Force's last EC-130H Compass Call aircraft has been retired after its final flight. The aircraft flew in formation with its successor, the EA-37B, a modified Gulfstream 550 business jet, according to a photo release from the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
This week's flight marked the first time the two electronic warfare platforms flew together. The 355th Wing stated that EC-130H crews have logged more than 76,000 combat hours over the past two decades. Following the retirement, the final aircraft will be stored at the Davis-Monthan boneyard alongside other retired EC-130Hs.
Mission Transition to the EA-37B
The EA-37B will assume the Compass Call mission of disrupting enemy command and control networks. The transition from the EC-130H to the new platform has been in progress since 2017. The Air Force plans to acquire up to 22 EA-37B aircraft by 2031.
The new jet is expected to provide significant operational advantages. It offers greater speed, range, and altitude compared to the older four-engine turboprop.
Aircraft Performance Comparison
The source report highlights key performance improvements with the new aircraft. The following table compares the two platforms based on the information provided.
| Aircraft | Type | Key Improvements in Successor |
|---|---|---|
| EC-130H | Four-engine turboprop | Being replaced. |
| EA-37B | Modified Gulfstream 550 business jet | Improved speed, range, and altitude. |
A Legacy of Combat Hours
The EC-130H fleet has been a workhorse for electronic warfare. The 76,000 combat hours flown over twenty years show its intensive operational history. The aircraft's retirement signifies the end of an era for a platform that has served in numerous conflicts.
The final flight ceremony was a symbolic handover of the mission. The sight of the two aircraft flying together visually represented the changing of the guard. The Air Force is now focused on integrating the new EA-37B fleet to continue its critical electronic warfare role.
Based on the report from FlyingMag, the Air Force is moving forward with its modernization plan. The EA-37B represents a shift to a faster, more capable platform derived from a commercial business jet airframe. The retirement process concludes a long chapter for the EC-130H community at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
