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Under the
contract, Exelis will redesign three modules -- components of the ALQ-99’s
universal exciter upgrade shop-replaceable assembly -- to extend the
service life of the Navy’s principal standoff jammer.
As part of the redesign, Exelis will replace legacy application-specific
electronic components with modern field-programmable technology, enhancing
reliability and the system’s ability to adapt to changing mission
needs. The work will also include extensive qualification testing to
ensure that the aircraft can operate successfully in challenging environments. |
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“The
ALQ-99 is expected to continue supporting the Navy’s electronic
attack mission for several years until a next-generation solution is
fielded,” said Mitch Friedman, vice president and general manager
of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. “This
critical interim support will equip the system to handle the evolving
threat landscape and allow U.S. and allied forces to continue dominating
the electromagnetic spectrum.”
For the first time, this contract combines purchases for the
U.S. Navy and the government of Australia through a Department of Defense
Foreign Military Sales program. Work is expected to be completed by
June 2017.
The ALQ-99 is part of a suite of electronic warfare (EW) technologies
designed to enable domestic and international customers to perform their
critical missions. Leveraging its decades of innovation and experience
in the electromagnetic spectrum, Exelis has identified EW as one of
the company’s four strategic growth platforms.
The AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Transmitter-Antenna Group (LBT-AG), developed
by Cobham Defense Electronics, has been in production since 2005. The
LBT is designed to protect strike aircraft, ships, and ground troops
by disrupting enemy radar and communications. It is flown on US Navy
EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G aircraft and Marine Corps EA-6B aircraft, and
has been used in combat operations. |
