Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has been awarded a $20.3 million contract to modernize the US Navy’s E-6B airborne command post and communications relay aircraft.
Known as the “Mercury,” the E-6B supports Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) missions, ensuring secure and continuous communications between US government leadership and military commanders during major conflicts or nuclear contingencies.
Under the contract, Collins will deliver three full-rate production High-Power Transmit Set Modernization (HPTS-M) kits for the Navy. The upgrades are intended to strengthen the aircraft’s strategic communications capability by replacing legacy transmitters, radios, and related components to ensure reliable, uninterrupted connectivity.
While technical details of the upgraded equipment were not disclosed, a 2024 HPTS-M pre-solicitation notice identified Collins as the only known qualified and responsible supplier capable of meeting the Department of Defense’s requirements.
Work will be carried out at Collins Aerospace’s facility in Richardson, Texas, with contract completion scheduled for June 2027. Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, will oversee the effort.
The award coincides with the Navy’s 2025 decision to expand pilot training for the E-6B fleet, with courses to be conducted in Oklahoma, where most of the aircraft are based and operated.
Looking ahead, the Navy has designated the future TACAMO replacement aircraft as the E-130J, derived from the C-130J-30 Super Hercules. The service plans to field nine E-130J aircraft by 2028.
In parallel, the US Air Force is pursuing its own modernization effort to replace the aging E-4B airborne command post fleet introduced in the 1970s. The Air Force confirmed last year that four new platforms, designated E-4C, are currently under development.
