BAE Systems was recently awarded a $41.7 million contract for technology maturation efforts on the U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer, which will replace the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system currently installed on the EA-18G Growler aircraft.
Technology maturation efforts include research in support of future development of airborne electronic attack capability from a tactical-size airborne stand-off and modified-escort platform, such as the EA-18G.
BAE Systems is joined by Cobham, GE Aviation, and Harris Corporation on the contract’s technology maturation efforts. The BAE Systems-led effort will combine the companies' expertise in electronic warfare, electronic attack, suppression of enemy air defenses and irregular warfare support to ground forces.
As the EW suite provider for the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, and as the mission system integrator for other key military aviation electronic warfare (EW) programs, BAE Systems is uniquely positioned to deliver full mission capability for the Navy’s Next Generation Jammer program.
Cobham Sensor Systems is a leading supplier of EW microwave electronics with more than 20 years of experience providing the Navy with high power broadband transmitter subsystems. Cobham has a stellar record of high systems reliability on the Navy’s primary airborne electronic attack platforms, the EA-6B and EA-18G. GE Aviation is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, electric power generation and distribution, component and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. Harris provides extensive avionics for F/A-18, F-22, and F-35 aircraft -- and is a leader in wideband, low-profile, lightweight, electronically steered arrays.
"Our Next Generation Jammer effort is driven by our shared commitment to provide a flexible solution that fully meets the Navy's operational needs," said Jerry Wohletz, director of the Next Generation Jammer program for BAE Systems. "Our team composition of experienced industry leaders brings a disciplined systems engineering and risk-management approach, and we look forward to demonstrating this value during the technical maturation phase of the program. We’re confident our offering will increase the Navy’s capability, reliability, availability, and supportability requirements while reducing life cycle costs.”