BAE develops handheld EW technology

BAE Systems has developed new handheld electronic warfare (EW) technology for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the company announced on 27 September.

The lightweight sensor is designed to be carried by soldiers to allow them to better understand radio frequency (RF) signals. It uses cognitive processing algorithms to detect and identify multiple interfering signals, such as enemy communication signals or jammers, in changing and challenging environments across a wide frequency spectrum.

The capability can be used by multiple platforms, including being integrated into large and small EW, signal intelligence (SIGINT), signal receiver and communication systems.

The technology was developed under DARPA’s Computational Leverage Against Surveillance Systems (CLASS) programme and the Cognitive Radio Low-Energy Signal Analysis Sensor ICs (CLASIC) programme.

The new handheld EW technology improves on current portable spectrum analysers, driven by a single low-power chip. As a result, BAE Systems claims that it can achieve a tenfold reduction in power consumption, weight and size as compared to conventional spectrum analysers.

Recent field tests saw the system successfully detect and identify over ten signal types across a wide bandwidth, despite the presence of interference. BAE Systems expects to continue maturing the technology for eventual deployment across its EW, SIGINT and tactical communications offerings.

Joshua Niedzwiecki, director of sensor processing and exploitation at BAE Systems, said: ‘By drastically reducing the size, weight, and power of this new cognitive EW system, we’re making it easier for our warfighters to be aware of, classify, and manage a wide range of signals in the battlespace, which is crucial for tactical situational awareness.’