With its role to broadcast U.S. military communications and disrupt the communications of enemy forces, the EC-130 Commando Solo is a unique military aircraft.

Used for Psychological Operations
The EC-130 Commando Solo aircraft is a modified C-130 Hercules transport plane manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. of Bethesda, Maryland. The U.S. military has designated the plane for use in performing "psychological operations." Outfitted with state-of-the-art communications equipment, the aircraft is used to broadcast messages from the U.S. military over AM and FM radio frequencies, and across standard television signals. The broadcasts can target foreign military personnel or civilian populations.

The EC-130 Commando Solo is a unique aircraft that is operated by the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the U.S. Air Force. The unit is based at the Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania. The aircraft is also used to block and disrupt the broadcasts of foreign militaries and governments during combat operations. The EC-130 Commando Solo has been used to jam communications by the Iraqi government.

Additional Functions
Beyond its use in combat operations, the EC-130 Commando Solo has been used during humanitarian relief efforts. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the aircraft was used to broadcast messages from the Haitian government warning people not to flee to the United States by sea. The aircraft also broadcast information about where people could go to receive shelter, food and clothing.

And, the EC-130 Commando Solo has been used to inform civilian populations of U.S. military actions in countries such as Grenada and Panama. The aircraft is also used to gather intelligence and can act as a command and control centre for military forces on the ground.

Upgrades and Enhancements
The current version of the EC-130 Commando Solo has been outfitted with a number of enhancements that include upgraded navigation systems and the ability to broadcast color television on a variety of signals. The aircraft typically carries a crew of 10 soldiers – including five electronic communications systems operators. The first version of the Commando Solo aircraft entered military service in 1978.