Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems to integrate electronic warfare (EW) into F-35 fighter-bomber avionics
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – Military avionics experts at Lockheed Martin Corp. are will integrate new electronic warfare (EW) systems into the avionics systems of U.S. F-35 jet fighter-bombers for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. allies.
Officials of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a 585.8 million order Friday to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics segment in Fort Worth, Texas, to provide systems integration engineering for new ASQ-239 electronic warfare and electronic countermeasures hardware on the F-35 aircraft.
The AN/ASQ-239 EW avionics is designed and manufactured for the Lockheed Martin F-35 combat jet by the BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Nashua, N.H. The system provides the F-35 with 360-degree situational awareness and end-to-end capabilities.
The AN/ASQ-239 provides offensive and defensive options to enable the F-35 to identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to threats like radar-guided anti-aircraft missile batteries and air-search radars.
The system makes the most of detection ranges and gives the F-35 pilot evasion, engagement, countermeasures, and jamming options. The AN/ASQ-239 provides broadband protection to help the F-35 reach well-defended targets and suppress enemy anti-aircraft radar systems.
This system can operate in signal-dense environments and provide the F-35 with radio frequency and infrared countermeasures, and rapid response capabilities. The AN/ASQ-239 has an electronics architecture that enables designers to add new capabilities.
The AN/ASQ-239 on the F-35 fighter-bomber has Integrated radar warning, targeting support, and countermeasures; reduced long-term life cycle cost; increased situational awareness; rapid response capabilities to protect the aircrew; threat warning; and ability to reach well-defended targets.
On this order Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems will do the work in Nashua, N.H.; Fort Worth, Texas; Linthicum Heights, Md.; Balderstone, England; and other locations, and should be finished by April 2026.
For more information contact Lockheed Martin Aeronautics online at www.lockheedmartin.com, BAE Systems Electronic Systems at www.baesystems.com, or Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
