The IDECM suite is intended to provide self-protection and increased survivability for tactical aircraft against radio frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) surface-to-air and air-to-air threats. The major hardware component to be developed by the IDECM program is the IDECM radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM) system. The additional major functional component to be developed under the IDECM program is IDECM integration.

IDECM will integrate specific electronic self-protection systems on the host aircraft. For the IDECM lead aircraft, the F/A-18E/F, these systems are defined as the radar warning receiver, the Common Missile Warning System, the AN/ALE-47 chaff/flare dispenser, an off-board decoy launch controller/dispenser, and the RFCM. Upon completion of its own OPEVAL, the advanced strategic tactical expendable is one of several expendables that may be dispensed by the AN/ALE-47. Integration of these systems is intended to provide threat system warning, threat missile detection/warning, and the most effective countermeasure response to increase survivability of the host aircraft against IR and RF threats.

The RFCM consists of an on-board receiver/processor/techniques generator that stimulates a fiber optics towed decoy (FOTD) for transmission of the countermeasure technique. The FOTD is intended to be compatible with and deployed from an off-board repeater launch controller/dispenser. An optional on-board transmitter is a possible addition to the configuration.

IDECM RFCM is intended to fill the electronic self-protection operational deficiency for similarly equipped Navy tactical aircraft. USAF requirements for a common FOTD and techniques generator were included in the IDECM EMD contract. USAF has selected components of the IDECM RFCM for integration into the B-1B Defensive System Upgrade Program architecture, and is planning integration of IDECM RFCM components into the defensive system architecture of the F-15.

The IDECM acquisition/operational test and evaluation strategy for the F/A-18E/F includes an OA of the RFCM to support a RFCM LRIP. The OA will be based on flight-testing in an avionics test bed aircraft that is an F/A-18E/F surrogate implemented into an F/A-18C/D airframe. Due to airframe limitations, the launch controller/dispenser with the FOTD will be carried in a pod and interfaced via internal avionics.

On a parallel schedule, the F/A-18E/F platform OPEVAL is scheduled from 3QFY99-1QFY00. Because the F/A-18E/F OPEVAL is scheduled to be conducted before the more capable IDECM RFCM is available, the OPEVAL aircraft will not be equipped with the IDECM RFCM. It will be equipped with the ALE-50 Launch Controller/Dispenser portion of IDECM RFCM, including the Advanced Airborne Expendable Decoy, to fill part of the self-defense requirement in support of the overall F/A-18E/F OPEVAL survivability assessment. In addition, FOTD mass model testing with the F/A-18E/F is being done as a DT event for the IDECM RFCM, to demonstrate the capability of employing the FOTD.

The TEMP IPT had a fully coordinated document for approval in November 1997. Since that time, the IDECM program was rebaselined to fund an 87 percent development cost overrun and extend the development schedule by at least six months. The coordinated draft TEMP was updated to reflect the new program baseline but was not submitted for Navy or OSD approval, pending Navy approval of an operational requirements change which is already reflected in the coordinated draft TEMP. As of September 30, 1998, the Navy approved the ORD change and submission of the IDECM TEMP to DOT&E for approval is pending.

IDECM RFCM testing during FY98 has centered on development of the F/A-18E/F IDECM FOTD launcher assembly, exploration of the FOTD flight envelope, FOTD and RFCM EMD, and integration of IDECM RFCM components.

Due to the program rebaseline and development schedule slip of at least six to twelve months, the IDECM RFCM OA in the Aircraft Test Bed will be coincident with the planned F/A-18E/F OPEVAL. Contractor deliveries of hardware and Operational Flight Program software have been delayed, stressing DT test and aircraft integration schedules. Any further slip in the IDECM schedule could result in less than complete OA results being available for consideration by the F/A-18E/F decision maker.

For a more complete assessment and discussion of IDECM, refer to the SECRET IDECM DOT&E report.