Airbus develops Multirole Jammer protection system

Airbus Defence and Space has developed a new Multirole Jammer system designed to monitor the signal spectrum and jam tactical communications to counter the threat of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs).

The Multirole Jammer analyses the signal spectrum around the vehicle and jams radio signals intended to detonate an RCIED or roadside bomb.

The system can also be used for operational signal intelligence and can contribute to creating a comprehensive picture of the signal solution. In the past, this could only be carried out using separate systems that are limited in number and difficult to deploy.

Additionally, the Multirole Jammer conducts conventional tactical jamming tasks and supports developing counter-UAV systems.

The Multirole Jammer uses Airbus Defence and Space's SMART Responsive Jamming Technology. According to the company, its new digital receiver and signal processing technologies enables it to achieve reaction times of less than a millisecond. The jamming power is focused on the specific frequency of the detonation signal, rather than being distributed over the whole frequency range. The SMART Responsive Jamming Technology is already operational in the company's Vehicle Protection Jammer.

Thomas Müller, head of the electronics business line, Airbus Defence and Space, said: 'Lessons learnt from deployments such as Afghanistan have made more versatile and compact devices to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum indispensable.

'Our longstanding experience in electronic warfare enables us to translate latest technologies into solutions which offer reliable protection to the forces on the ground.'