The first C-130J earmarked for conversion into the new E-130J Phoenix II has rolled out of the factory, as shown in an image released by NAVAIR.

Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, released the image via social media, claiming that the E-130J Phoenix II programme is on course to meet its ‘aggressive schedule’. The E-130J, which had its designation of Phoenix II revealed earlier this month , will replace the Boeing 707-based E-6B Mercury in U.S. Navy service. This marks a return to the C-130 airframe for the TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) role, which was provided by EC-130Q Hercules aircraft (based on the legacy C-130H) between 1963 and 1993.

The first E-130Js are expected in operational service around 2028. Although the first airframe has been constructed, it must still undergo a

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