BAE SYSTEMS To Protect Air Force Special Operations Aircraft
30 Jun 2003
BAE Systems has been selected by The Boeing Company to provide the AN/ALQ-196 Low Band Jammer for the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The value of the contract could reach $80 million over the next five years.
BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS), headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, will work with the prime contractor, Boeing, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to integrate the ALQ-196 Low Band Jammer onboard AFSOC's MC-130H Talon II and AC-130U gunship aircraft.
The ALQ-196 gives aircrews a highly effective defense against current and future radio frequency (RF) missile threats. The ALQ-196 system has been in operation on AFSOC MC-130E Talon I aircraft since 1994 and a similar system onboard on the Air Force's U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft has proven its effectiveness for more than two decades.
"The unique and critical mission of our Special Operations forces demands the highest level of electronic protection available today," said Don Donovan, IEWS vice president and general manager for the Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business. "By outfitting these AFSOC aircraft with the ALQ-196, we are proud to provide the Air Force with the outstanding capability that these forces both demand and deserve."
MC-130 aircrews work closely with Army, Navy, and Air Force Special Operations forces. Primary missions are day and night, all weather infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces in hostile or denied territory. AC-130 primary missions include close air support, armed reconnaissance and air interdiction.
The Low Band Jammer award follows an earlier award from Boeing last November, in which BAE Systems was also selected to develop and produce a high-powered fiber optic towed decoy (HPFOTD) system for the U.S. Air Force's MC-130 E/H and AC-130 U/H aircraft. BAE Systems will provide a system with up to eight retrievable decoys. With this system, the decoy will be deployed when needed and retrieved, instead of being severed like current towed decoy systems. The HPFOTD converts, amplifies and radiates techniques that are used to defeat radar-guided missiles. That contract is expected to be worth in excess of $100 million over the next five years.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.
BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 5,500 people at 10 major facilities in eight 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.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
