Boeing has begun a five-year modification programme for the entire USN EA-18G Growler fleet with the induction of the first EW aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
‘The modifications are focused on updating the jets’ structural and mission systems architecture, enabling future capability growth for the Navy’s 160 Growler aircraft,’ Boeing announced in a statement on 19 March.
Full-rate modification is expected to start in June 2021. The ALQ-218 receiver system will receive the Airborne Electronic Attack System Enhancements modification, enabling the Growler to operate in ‘increasingly complex electromagnetic environments’, according to Boeing.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the ALQ-218 utilises a combination of short-, medium- and long-baseline interferometer techniques, with a patented passive ranging algorithm, to provide geo-location of emitters for cueing jammers and other onboard sensors such as EO/IR sensors and radar.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
Connect with us on socials
