This story originally ran on VelolCityOKC.com. 

Long Wave Inc., an Oklahoma City-based defense contractor, has been selected as a subcontractor for Northrop Grumman Systems Corp.’s $3.5 billion contract supporting the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO Recapitalization Program. The contract focuses on the engineering and manufacturing development of the E-130J—formerly known as the E-XX—Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Weapon System.

Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will lead the effort with key subcontractors, including Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Corp., focusing on integration and airworthiness. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division, Raytheon, Crescent Systems Inc. and Long Wave will contribute their expertise in command and control capabilities essential to the nuclear enterprise.

The scope of work includes designing, developing and integrating mature subsystems, as well as procuring integration laboratories, training courseware and initial spares. Additionally, the contract calls for the development of training devices and product support, along with the testing and delivery of engineering development model aircraft.

Long Wave, founded 27 years ago to support the TACAMO mission at Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB), has deep expertise in Very Low Frequency (VLF) analysis, which is critical for submarine communication. Nearly 30% of its workforce consists of retired TACAMO Naval personnel. The company’s first TACAMO project involved VLF analysis to enhance connectivity with the nation’s submarine fleet. Since then, Long Wave has expanded its work with the U.S. Air Force, securing contracts for high-frequency global communication systems at TAFB—systems essential for maintaining global communications in wartime environments.

Chris Lozano, Long Wave’s chief marketing officer, described the company’s involvement in TACAMO as a defining opportunity. “The company was founded supporting the TACAMO community, so we want to continue to be a valued partner as they make this transition,” Lozano said.

As part of its role, Long Wave will provide systems engineering and training for pilots, Naval Flight Officers and aircrew responsible for operating and maintaining the weapon systems. The company will collaborate with partners throughout the aircraft’s design, manufacturing, testing and delivery process. Additionally, Long Wave will focus on advancing mission-specific technologies for TACAMO.

“Our systems training capabilities are well recognized nationally, and we’re thrilled to be part of the team developing this new asset for TACAMO,” Lozano said. “TACAMO is near and dear to our hearts at Long Wave.”

The E-130J will replace the aging fleet of E-6B Mercury aircraft, ensuring continued command, control and communication capabilities for U.S. nuclear forces. The aircraft will incorporate advanced manufacturing, agile design, digital engineering and weapon system integration to support the TACAMO mission.

For OKC, the project presents significant employment opportunities. “In the last 60 days, we’ve already hired around 40 engineers, and we plan to bring in another 100—both in-state and out-of-state—by the end of 2025,” Lozano said.

To support this expansion, Long Wave has been in a strategic planning phase, which is now moving into execution. The recent hiring of President Emerald Adair marks a key step forward. Adair, an industry professional with three decades of experience managing large Department of Defense programs, relocated from California to OKC to help Long Wave secure the necessary resources for growth.

Since joining the company, Adair has tapped into a network of industry veterans to support Long Wave’s work on TACAMO. “We are building the right team to make this project a success,” Lozano said.

Funding for the project includes research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds. The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process, with Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, overseeing the contracting activity (N0001925C0130).

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has played a longstanding role in supporting TAFB. In 1940, 12 civic leaders formed the Industries Foundation, enabling the Chamber to purchase land and facilities for an aircraft factory. Over the decades, the Chamber has continued to support TAFB, including a major land donation in 1955 and additional expansion efforts in 1956. Today, the partnership between the Chamber and TAFB remains a foundational pillar of OKC’s economy and defense industry.