On October 6, 2026, satellite antenna manufacturer ThinKom Solutions, Inc. announced that Northrop Grumman has selected its ThinAir SATCOM antenna system to equip the U.S. Navy’s E-130J Phoenix II aircraft.
The airborne platform is under development to perform the military’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) strategic communications mission, providing command-and-control connectivity during high-consequence operations.
Technical Specifications and Platform Architecture
ThinKom’s ThinAir GT product line delivers multi-band Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) satellite communications for aircraft operating across diverse flight profiles. Utilizing ThinKom’s Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased-array architecture, the low-profile antenna system provides high-throughput connectivity compatible with both geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations.
The low-drag aerodynamic housing minimizes fuel and drag impact on airborne platforms while incorporating anti-jamming features and multi-orbit survivability capabilities engineered for executive transports, large cargo aircraft, and defense reconnaissance systems.
Strategic Role in TACAMO Fleet Modernization
The E-130J Phoenix II represents the U.S. Navy’s next-generation TACAMO aircraft, replacing legacy operational platforms to maintain survivable communications between national decision-makers and nuclear deterrence forces. By integrating multi-orbit, multi-band satellite connectivity, the platform ensures continuous signal availability across contested electromagnetic environments.
Executive Perspective
“The TACAMO mission depends on communications systems that are resilient, available and ready in the most demanding operating environments,” said Bill Milroy, Chief Technology Officer at ThinKom. “The selection of our ThinAir antenna reflects the growing importance of multi-orbit, high-throughput SATCOM capabilities for strategic airborne platforms, and we are proud to support Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy on this program.“
