SABER undergoes tests on Compass Call
SABER is ‘a major technological advance’ that enables the USAF to make the transition to software-based electromagnetic spectrum warfare, according to its manufacturer BAE Systems.
BAE Systems is ‘paving the way for a critical software upgrade’ to the EC-37B replacement for the EC-130H Compass Call EW aircraft, after successfully flight testing its Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology.
Teams from BAE Systems and the USAF conducted 11 test flights of an EC-130H from Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, the company added in a 5 April statement.
SABER will provide the backbone of the operating system on the EC-37B, which is based on the Gulfstream G550 commercial business jet.
The solution is built on a suite of software-defined radios using an open system architecture. BAE Systems described it as ‘a major technological advance’ that enables the USAF to make the transition to software-based electromagnetic spectrum warfare.
Additional SABER testing in 2021 will focus on ‘simultaneity of engagement capacity, dynamic resource sharing, rapid integration, and operation of multiple additional applications’, BAE Systems added.
There are 13 EC-130H aircraft in USAF service with an expected retirement date of 2025. The EC-37B programme began in FY2017 with an estimated procurement cost of $1.45 billion for ten aircraft, although Shephard Defence Insight notes delays in the contracting phase.
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.
SABER will equip EC-37B Compass Call EW aircraft for the USAF. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
