Boeing E-6 Mercury
The Boeing E-6 Mercury (formerly Hermes) is an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707-300. The original E-6A manufactured by Boeing's defense division entered service with the United States Navy in July 1989, replacing the EC-130Q. This platform, now modified to the E-6B standard, conveys instructions from the National Command Authority to fleet ballistic missile submarines (see communication with submarines), a mission known as TACAMO ("Take Charge And Move Out").
| E-6 Mercury | |
|---|---|
| Boeing E-6 Mercury | |
| Role | Airborne command and control |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 19 February 1987 |
| Introduction | August 1989 |
| Status | Ceased production, in service |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 16 |
| Developed from | Boeing 707 |
The E-6B model deployed in October 1998 has the ability to remotely control Minuteman ICBMs using the Airborne Launch Control System. The E-6B replaced Air Force EC-135Cs in the Looking Glass role, providing command and control of U.S. nuclear forces should ground-based control become inoperable. With production lasting until 1991, the E-6 was the final new derivative of the Boeing 707 to be built.