US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
Northrop Grumman completes test flights of new scalable sensor
EMRIS in a Northrop Grumman testing range. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman’s Electronically-Scanned Multifunction Reconfigurable Integrated Sensor (EMRIS) sensor can perform radar, EW and communications functions using a single array.
Northrop Grumman has successfully completed dozens of test flights of its EMRIS sensor with new software deployed during flights as demonstration of the reconfigurable nature of the sensor.
EMRIS’s fully digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilises technology from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Arrays on Commercial Timescales programme, combined with the government’s open architecture standards.
By applying the flexibility of a digital AESA, EMRIS can perform multiple functions including radar, electronic warfare and communications, simultaneously.
As part of EMRIS’ flights, Northrop Grumman demonstrated the ability to quickly leverage technologies developed for other programs to adapt multiple fielded capabilities into EMRIS.
The second EMRIS array is entering testing, and Northrop Grumman is in the process of demonstrating its scalable nature by fabricating two smaller EMRIS apertures for lower cost and size-constrained application demonstrations.
The company has not identified particular applications for EMRIS but the technology is compact enough to fit in a small UAS and is designed to be configurable enough to be part of future platforms involving a range of aircraft sizes.
As part of the integration and test phase, Northrop Grumman is demonstrating the ability to leverage technology developed for other programmes to adapt multiple fielded capabilities into EMRIS.
The sensor’s design leverages commercial processes and materials, including the 5G tech base, driving down cost and increasing the quality and reliability of the components, according to the company.
Krys Moen, vice president, advanced mission capabilities, Northrop Grumman said: “Dozens of successful flights with EMRIS demonstrated the ability to reduce development timelines and lower programme costs by leveraging our partnerships with, and advancements across, all military services.”
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities]()
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
