Curtiss-Wright introduces EWS-DRS mission computer

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions has introduced the MPMC-9323/EWS-DRS, a new addition to its family of open architecture COTS-based EW RF tuner mission computers, the company announced on 3 October.

The new mission computer is designed to ease and speed the development and deployment of EW hardware solutions for countering emerging battlefield threats in COMINT and ELINT applications. It provides system integrators with a pre-integrated, SWaP-optimised multi-channel tuner system that features a Leonardo DRS SI-9172 Vesper tuner/exciter.

The MPMC-9323/EWS-DRS integrates the SI-9172 3U OpenVPX module, a Curtiss-Wright Xilinx Kintex-7 XF07-523 FPGA mezzanine module and an Intel Xeon D-based CHAMP-XD1 DSP engine, to provide end-to-end data flow and enables the customer to focus on their application instead of the integrated hardware architecture.

The EW/RF tuner is packaged in Curtiss-Wright’s two-slot 3U OpenVPX MPMC-9323 mission computing system. This rugged chassis is SWaP-optimised - 10.5-inch x 5.9-inch x 7.7-inch volume and weight of 18lb – and has been designed to meet demanding thermal requirements.

Lynn Bamford, senior VP and general manager, Defense Solutions division, said: 'We are excited to extend our support for Leonardo DRS embedded RF Tuner technology with the introduction of our new Electronic Warfare System-DRS mission computer, which combines the recently announced SI-9172 Vesper Tuner/Exciter with our best-in-class DSP engine and FPGA processor modules in a compact rugged chassis.'