US Navy Advances with Advanced Electronic Warfare System for F/A-18 Aircraft.

The U.S. Navy has officially approved the preliminary design of a new electronic warfare (EW) system for the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the aircraft in increasingly complex threat environments. Developed by L3Harris, the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) system is designed to provide cutting-edge countermeasures, essential for naval aviators to stay ahead of emerging threats. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

An F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 106 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (Picture source: US DoD)

The recent approval followed the successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) conducted by L3Harris, which confirmed the system's readiness to advance to the next development phase. The company is preparing for Prototype System Integration Lab Testing scheduled for this summer, as part of an ongoing $80 million contract with the Navy.

This latest development builds on L3Harris' two decades of experience in providing advanced electronic warfare solutions for the F/A-18. The current system in use, the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) AN/ALQ-214 on-board jammer, has already proven effective in protecting the aircraft against sophisticated radio frequency threats and integrated air defense systems.

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation). Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), the F/A-18 was derived from the YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The aircraft is capable of operating from aircraft carriers and is used for fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. Its versatility is a significant factor in its selection for various military missions.

The initial F/A-18A and F/A-18C variants entered service in 1983. Later, the more advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet debuted in 1999. The Super Hornet features enhanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and additional payload capabilities. It was designed to replace the U.S. Navy's F-14 Tomcats and provide the fleet with a versatile platform capable of performing a variety of missions. Currently, there are over 1,400 F/A-18 variants in service across various nations' military forces, with the U.S. Navy being the largest operator.

The F/A-18 is known for its agility, targeting capabilities, multi-mission versatility, and network-centric operational ability. It is equipped with a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. The aircraft features a digital fly-by-wire control system and has been upgraded over the years to enhance its capabilities with advanced radar systems and new weaponry. The Super Hornet, in particular, is designed to be more survivable in hostile environments, offering an advanced suite of integrated sensor and weapon systems that significantly enhance its combat effectiveness.

L3Harris has received over $2 billion in orders from the Naval Air Systems Command for the development and production of the AN/ALQ-214, underlining its commitment to advancing U.S. naval capabilities. The introduction of the ADVEW system represents a continuation of L3Harris' efforts to equip Navy combat jets with advanced technologies that ensure the safety and efficacy of its missions. As threats evolve and adversaries enhance their capabilities, such upgrades are crucial to maintaining the U.S. Navy's aerial advantage.