SABER undergoes tests on Compass Call
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)
More from Digital Battlespace
-
NATO innovation programme doubles in size
DIANA has been leveraging its accelerator programme and test centre network to bring end users together with start-ups, scientific researchers and technology companies for the development of dual-use technological defence and security solutions.
-
DARPA awards AI contracts
The US has been working to out how to use and defend against AI with DARPA alone outlining in 2008 ‘AI Next’ programme with US$2 billion committed to advance the science of AI.
-
Finding your space
Digital mapping and geolocation have become critical to battlespace users, and ensuring the best content is delivered is vital.
-
Why the US would struggle to overcome Russia’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon
Russia's move to develop a nuclear anti-satellite weapon has highlighted US anxieties over space combat readiness, challenging the Pentagon's strategic defences in a potential cosmic battleground.
-
China’s AI developments in electronic surveillance extends to battlefield
‘Nowhere to hide’ as Chinese progress in AI-enabled surveillance technological has enabled it to identify and suppress enemy communications systems.
-
Boeing wins $440 million contract for 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites have been supporting the US DoD’s warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical C4ISR, battlefield management and combat support information.