Lockheed Martin asks BAE Systems to upgrade electronic warfare (EW) hardware and software on F-35 jets
NASHUA, N.H. – Avionics integrators at Lockheed Martin Corp. needed a company to upgrade the electronic warfare (EW) system for the U.S. F-35 jet fighter-bomber. They found their solution from the BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Nashua, N.H.
Officials of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics segment in Fort Worth, Texas, have announced a $493 million order to BAE Systems to upgrade the EW system aboard the F-35 to enable the combat jet to detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats quickly in contested battlespaces, BAE Systems officials say.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver enhanced hardware for the F-35's AN/ASQ-239 high-performance EW mission system, and provide engineering services and test infrastructure.
The upgraded system will superior situational awareness, electromagnetic attack, and countermeasure capabilities with new sensors and more powerful digital signal processing.
"The highly adaptable mission system will allow our warfighters to outpace evolving threats and defend democracy around the globe," says Lisa Aucoin, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems.
The enhanced EW system design will enable rapid future hardware and software upgrades with a modular architecture that also can help reduce life cycle and retrofit costs across the global F-35 fleet. The system also includes the Non-Intrusive Electronic Warfare Test Solution (NIEWTS) fault isolation and diagnostics capability, which enables troubleshooting.
The AN/ASQ-239 EW avionics provides the F-35 with 360-degree situational awareness and end-to-end capabilities. It 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.
For more information contact BAE Systems Electronic Systems online at www.baesystems.com, or Lockheed Martin Aeronautics at www.lockheedmartin.com.
