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BAE SYSTEMS Provides Advanced Digital EW System For F/A-22 Raptor

12 Jul 2004

BAE Systems digital electronic warfare receiver technology has been selected by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as the baseline EW system for future production lots of the U.S. Air Forces F/A-22 Raptor.

The advanced digital receiver is capable of converting radio frequency signals to digital information much earlier in the signal chain than previously possible, said Bruce Thibodeau, BAE Systems engineering manager. At the core of digital EW are breakthroughs in high-speed analogue-to-digital converter technology and advanced algorithms. These allow inexpensive, digital receiver modules to perform functions that previously required a greater number of more costly microwave modules.

The digital technology is expected to save more than $200 million on the Air Forces F/A-22 production program, Thibodeau added. In addition to reducing cost, the digital receiver also reduces weight and power, and improves logistics supportability.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, New Hampshire, began the digital EW initiative in 1999 to help reduce the overall cost of the F/A-22 program. The program was subsequently funded through multiple contracts from the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), the Commercial Operations and Support Savings Initiative (COSSI), Lockheed Martins Advanced Technology Support Program (ATSP), and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, with support from the F/A-22 Special Programs Office.

The digital EW receiver will initially be installed on the Lot 5 production of the F/A-22, involving two dozen aircraft. That production lot will be completed by 2007.

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 employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

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 6,900 people at 13 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. IEWS provides products and services in four major lines of business: Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection, Electronic Warfare/Information Warfare, Integrated Defense Solutions, and Mission Electronics.