Next-generation EW for F-16 makes maiden flight
This Northrop Grumman testbed aircraft flew with the company’s F-16 Next Generation Electronic Warfare and AN/APG-83 SABR systems in a dense electromagnetic spectrum environment at the Northern Lightning joint training exercise. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The Northrop Grumman Next Generation Electronic Warfare (NGEW) system for the F-16 performed its first test flight last month during Exercise Northern Lightning, the US company announced on 9 September.
NGEW (flying on an enhanced testbed aircraft belonging to Northrop Grumman) and the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) demonstrated full interoperability in a dense, ‘realistic and contested’ electromagnetic spectrum environment, the company claimed.
SABR engaged multiple air and ground targets while NGEW detected and identified multiple advanced threats by ‘employing advanced jamming techniques capable of defeating those threats when required’, Northrop Grumman added.
James Conroy, VP of navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, noted: ‘With the radio frequency (RF) spectrum becoming increasingly contested, this critical set of capabilities will support the F-16 for many years to come.’
More from Air Warfare
-
BAE Systems delivers first Qatari Eurofighter Typhoon
Qatar has received a first Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems.
-
FADEA rolls out new indigenously made IA-63 Pampa III aircraft for Argentine Air Force
A new trainer/light attack aircraft for Argentine Air Force is delivered by domestic manufacturer FADEA.
-
Lockheed Martin to procure long-lead items for Italian F-35 production
Contract modification for Lockheed Martin covers the procurement of materials for Lot 15 and Lot 16 F-35s for the Italian Air Force.
-
Boeing gains more work on Saudi SLAM-ERs
Boeing is to provide data link pod assemblies for SLAM-ER missiles destined for Saudi Arabia.