Raytheon repairs towed decoys for Super Hornets
AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system. (Photo: Raytheon)
The AN/ALE-50 fibre-optic towed decoy is designed to protect combat aircraft from air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, by using active and semi-active radar homing.
The USN has contracted Raytheon to repair three AN/ALE-50 towed decoy systems used with F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighter aircraft.
A $30.98 million IDIQ deal from Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support will be completed by December 2026 with no options, the DoD announced on 6 December.
The AN/ALE-50 fibre-optic towed decoy is designed to protect combat aircraft from air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, by using active and semi-active radar homing.
The decoy can either equip an underwing hardpoint or be installed internally. The entire AN/ALE-50 ensemble comprises a decoy winching assembly, launch controller and the expendable decoy which is towed behind the aircraft.
The decoy is wound out from the aircraft when in flight and will transmit RF waveforms to present a more attractive target than the aircraft to lure a missile away from its intended target.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Airbus details A400M upgrade as second Indonesia aircraft delivery looms]()
World Defense Show 2026: Airbus details A400M upgrade as second Indonesia aircraft delivery looms
With the A400M set for a capability upgrade, Airbus officials are bullish about the aircraft and its market potential for both new and existing customers with the improvements geared towards meeting future requirements.
