According to a recent report on the Flight International website, the US Navy has announced the official name of its new command and control aircraft capable of launching nuclear weapons. The report states that the replacement for the current Boeing E-6B Mercury jet will be the E-130J - a series product of Lockheed Martin's highly recognized C-130J turboprop transport aircraft. Previously, people only knew the name of this new aircraft as E-XX. The Navy has not yet disclosed the so-called 'generic name' of the E-130J. The procurement contract for this aircraft is expected to be signed in 2025. The E-130 will be the latest version of the C-130 tactical transport aircraft. This specialized aircraft will be equipped with communication devices that enable the US President and Secretary of Defense to establish contact with the Navy's submarine fleet carrying nuclear missiles. Commander Brett Wendler of the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing said, "The E-130J will ensure that our national leadership maintains control over strategic forces as the E-6B approaches its end of service and enables it to focus on other important missions until retirement." The average age of the Mercury fleet aircraft is nearly 35 years and is about to retire. The Navy will begin a major overhaul of the E-6B fleet in 2022 and issue a tender announcement in 2023 to restructure the fleet at a lower cost. According to the bidding requirements specification, the new aircraft will be based on the C-130J transport aircraft. The US Air Force also has a similar platform - the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch military aircraft. This' doomsday aircraft 'can also control the US nuclear arsenal at high altitude. (New Society)