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BAE SYSTEMS decoy successfully performs in supersonic flight tests

12 Nov 2002

The U.S. Air Force and BAE Systems have successfully completed a series of on-going flight tests of BAE Systems AN/ALE-55 Fibre Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) aboard the Air Force's B-1B bomber at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The tests, concluded in September, included the first performance of the decoy while the B-1B was operating at supersonic speeds.

During the flight tests, decoys were successfully deployed from the aircraft on four different occasions and were subjected to the most aggressive combat manoeuvres attempted to date. The tests demonstrated decoy deployment, safe separation, and in-tow performance while pushing the outer regions of the decoy's flight envelope.

The ALE-55 FOTD, manufactured by BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS), Nashua, New Hampshire, is an integral component of the joint U.S. Navy - U.S. Air Force Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) Radio Frequency Countermeasures (RFCM) system.

"All decoys maintained towline integrity until commanded sever during the most aggressive B-1 manoeuvres to date," said Lt. Col. Peter Knudsen, B-1B Special Programs Office. "Signal line continuity results varied with the maximum sustained signal continuity for approximately 45 minutes. Preliminary results indicate decoy stability in the supersonic region appears to be exceptional," he added. Supersonic test points included towing the decoys at supersonic speeds while performing multiple wing and airspeed tests.

Capt. Robert Boyd, U.S. Navy (PMA-272) project manager, said, "I continue to be quite pleased with the ALE-55's flight test performance on the B-1B. These latest series of flight tests, flown while conducting very severe combat manoeuvres, are similar to recent successful F/A-18 E/F flight tests. This testing continues to show that the IDECM programme is on track to being a valuable tool to protecting aircrews from RF missile threats."

"We are confident in the flight performance of the ALE-55," said Mike Williams, BAE Systems Director of Radio Frequency Countermeasures in Nashua. "The warfighter will be well served by the tremendous capabilities of the IDECM system and we remain on target to deliver it."

IDECM incorporates onboard receivers and off-board countermeasures that include the high-powered FOTD and deployment canister. IDECM provides a highly effective electronic warfare defence for U.S. military aircraft against current and future RF missile threats. Currently, IDECM is slated for deployment on the F/A-18E/F, the B-1B, and the F-15 aircraft.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs more than 4,700 people at eight major facilities in five states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.