US Air Force retires final EC-130H Compass Call aircraft after 45 years of electronic warfare service

The United States Air Force flew its final EC-130H Compass Call mission on September 2, ending 45 years of Hercules-based airborne electronic attack. The fleet accumulated more than 76,000 combat hours disrupting communications, radar and command networks in operations worldwide. Its mission is transferring to the faster, higher-flying EA-37B, a Gulfstream G550 derivative with longer range, a smaller crew and lower operating costs. The transition retains the Compass Call mission systems while replacing an aging 14-aircraft turboprop fleet with as many as 22 modern jets.