Saab receives order to continue future fighter concept studies out to 2027
The order from the FMV is an extension of the original contract signed in March 2024 and covers exploration of both crewed and uncrewed platforms.
ADVEW is being developed for use on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. (Photo: USN)
The Delta Design Review of the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype for the US Navy’s (USN’s) F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been successfully completed, an important stage for a system which may replace legacy systems on the aircraft.
ADVEW, which is being made by RTX’s Raytheon, will be considered as a replacement for the existing AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver.
It is described by the company as “integrating sixth-generation capabilities into the navy’s primary strike fighter aircraft”.
The review assessed the weapon’s replaceable assemblies and how each part of the hardware system works together to meet required specifications.
According to a statement from Raytheon: “The review confirmed that the system can provide critical electronic attack and electronic support measures capabilities.
“Raytheon’s integration of digital and model-based systems engineering tools in the development of ADVEW provides requirements traceability, streamlines system integration and mitigates risk to enable rapid aircraft integration.”
In December 2024, Raytheon was awarded a US$80 million contract in a downselect to prototype the system for the USN.
The successful completion of this review begins the next phase, which includes government laboratory testing, to validate Open Mission Systems compliance and to demonstrate advanced system attributes.
The order from the FMV is an extension of the original contract signed in March 2024 and covers exploration of both crewed and uncrewed platforms.
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