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First Flight Tests Of BAE SYSTEMS ComBat RWR On F/A-18 Completed

03 Feb 2003

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and BAE Systems have successfully completed the first flight testing of the BAE Systems ComBat Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) aboard an F/A-18A Hornet Upgraded aircraft.

The F/A-18 flight tests, conducted at a variety of RAAF locations throughout Australia in the 4th quarter of 2002, were designed to demonstrate the RWR's performance over a range of operational scenarios.

The tests were brought about through close cooperation between the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) Electronic Systems Division and Aerospace Systems Division and BAE Systems Australia.

The RAAF Air Combat Group at Williamtown undertook rapid modification and de-modification of the F/A-18A aircraft in conjunction with BAE Systems Australia.

The trial was supported by a range of software integration activities performed at the F/A-18 Integrated Avionics System Support Facility (IASSF) facility in 2001.

"We are delighted that ComBat has met and in many cases exceeded our expectations during these trials. ComBat is undoubtedly the most advanced piece of defence electronic equipment ever designed and produced in Australia," said Mike Holmes, Electronic Warfare (EW) Business Development Manager - BAE Systems Australia.

"The close teamwork demonstrated on this project has proven Australia's capability to design, develop, install, integrate and set to work advanced EW systems in digital combat aircraft, all in a timely and cost effective manner. I would say that all parties have benefited greatly from the experience. We now look forward to the opportunity to bring ComBat into ADF service," he said.

The success of these tests follows similarly successful test flights in 2000 aboard a RAAF F-111.

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, 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.

In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.