The US Navy has awarded the band 5/6 travelling-wave tube (TWT) replacement module assembly (TRMA) development contract to Cobham Sensor Systems to replace and update the navy’s radar-suppressing technologies.
Under the $11.5m contract, Cobham will replace the existing radio-frequency-based TWT chain in the ALQ-99 band 5/6 transmitter, with a solid-state amplifier module and DC-DC converter.
In addition, the company will begin the initial risk-reduction phase of the contract, which is intended to demonstrate Cobham’s technical approach to the programme, and provide a feasible and cost-effective solution.
Cobham Sensor Systems president Steve Schaefer said the TRMA programme replaces older technology with new for enhanced reliability and ease of maintenance.
“The ALQ-99 is a vital part of the suite carried by US Navy EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler aircraft to jam and suppress hostile radars and radar guided weapons,” he said.
Cobham is also expecting to receive follow-on options for preliminary design, detailed design, production and first article test of engineering development model units.
