Advanced Electronic Warfare prototype for Super Hornet passes design review
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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC
The Grey Wolf has entered operational service nearly three years later than originally planned, while new sustainment contracts indicate that some UH-1Ns could remain supported until 2031.
-
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
-
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.