BAE Systems takes-on trusted computing research to help safeguard military avionics from cyber attack
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio – U.S. Air Force researchers needed new ways to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to military avionics from cyber attack. They found a solution from the BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems segment in Boulder, Colo.
Officials of the Sensors Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio,, announce a $30 million contract to BAE Systems on Thursday for the Radio Frequency (RF) Electronic Warfare (EW) Focused Laboratory Evaluations of Critical Technologies (REFLECT) program.
BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) joins SRC Inc. in North Syracuse, N.Y., which won a $60 million REFLECT contract in April.
This trusted computing contract provides for exploring new and emerging concepts related to development, integration, assessment, evaluation, and demonstration of cyber security, open system architecture, novel avionics, sensor technologies, and multi-domain technologies focusing on the electric warfare piece of the avionics, Air Force officials say.
REFLECT also seeks to develop simulation capabilities necessary to develop advanced sensors and avionics technologies, develop agile electronics architecture, and expand emerging open-systems standards for military weapons. The goal is to explore new and emerging technologies related to fending-off cyber-attacks, cyber security, open system architectures, avionics, and sensors.
REFLECT avionics involve manned, unmanned, autonomous, and remotely piloted vehicles; on-board intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems; EW systems, and munitions.
The specific focus in on advanced RF and digital EW simulations, threat models, sensor evaluations, and cutting-edge technology development in the RF domain.
The contract requires BAE Systems and SRC to have Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances, and deep knowledge of the information related to International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) export control regulations.
For more information contact BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems online at www.baesystems.com/en-us/capability/space-systems, or SRC at www.srcinc.com, or the Air Force Research Laboratory at www.afrl.af.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.
