HAWTHORNE, Calif. — ThinKom Solutions, Inc. announced that its ThinAir satellite communications (SATCOM) antennas have been selected by Northrop Grumman for integration into the U.S. Navy’s new E-130J Phoenix II aircraft.
E-130J Phoenix II to Replace E-6B Mercury
The E-130J is being developed to take over the Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO provides a survivable airborne communications link between U.S. national command authorities and the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, including ballistic-missile submarines.
The E-130J will replace the Navy’s E-6B Mercury fleet. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe, with Northrop Grumman serving as the prime contractor and mission-systems integrator.
The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $3.46 billion contract for the program, formerly known as E-XX, in December 2024. The transition to the E-130J is expected to begin in the late 2020s to early 2030s.
ThinAir SATCOM Antenna Capabilities
ThinKom said its ThinAir antenna was selected to meet the TACAMO mission’s requirements for high-bandwidth beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, multi-orbit connectivity, anti-jamming and survivability.
The ThinAir GT product line is compatible with both geosynchronous (GSO) and non-geosynchronous (NGSO) satellite constellations. Its low-profile aerodynamic design is intended to reduce drag and support aircraft fuel efficiency and flight range.
The systems use ThinKom’s proprietary Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased-array technology.
Bill Milroy, Chief Technology Officer at ThinKom, said TACAMO requires communications systems that remain resilient, available and ready in demanding operating environments. He said the selection of the ThinAir antenna reflects the growing importance of multi-orbit, high-throughput SATCOM for strategic airborne platforms.
ThinKom's SATCOM Systems
ThinKom Solutions, founded in 2000 and based in Hawthorne, California, develops phased-array SATCOM antennas for commercial in-flight connectivity, government, defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, ground-station and other applications.
The company said its antennas will provide resilient multi-orbit SATCOM connectivity for the E-130J Phoenix II strategic communications aircraft.
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