Exelis wins US Navy jammer redesign contract
US Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded Exelis a $15.3 million contract to perform essential sustainment work on the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. The work is expected to be completed by June 2017.
The ALQ-99 is used on the navy’s EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. The technology will also be provided to the Australian government through a Foreign Military Sales programme, the first time the ALQ-99 has been made available to an international ally.
Further, Exelis will also redesign three modules- components of the ALQ-99’s universal exciter upgrade shop-replaceable assembly- to extend the service life of the navy’s principal standoff jammer.
As part of the redesign, the company will replace legacy application-specific electronic components with modern field-programmable technology, enhancing reliability and the system’s ability to adapt to changing mission needs. The work will also include extensive qualification testing to ensure that the aircraft can operate successfully in challenging environments.
Mitch Friedman, vice president and general manager for integrated electronic warfare systems business, Exelis, said: 'The ALQ-99 is expected to continue supporting the navy’s electronic attack mission for several years until a next-generation solution is fielded. This critical interim support will equip the system to handle the evolving threat landscape and allow US and allied forces to continue dominating the electromagnetic spectrum.'
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