The US Navy has taken delivery of the first nine next-generation electronic self-protection systems from Exelis for integration into F/A-18 fighters.
The delivery includes ALQ-214(V) 4/5, which can now be integrated on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F/A-18C/D Hornets.
The ALQ-214(V) 4/5 is the latest version of the onboard jammer subsystem in the integrated defensive electronic countermeasures (IDECM) suite.
Being delivered as part of a $91m deal signed in May with the US Navy, the subsystem will help aircrew in competing environments to address anti-access and area-denial challenges.
In addition, the new system is aimed at assuring that both F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F/A-18C/D Hornets, together with their crews, are safe from the latest, dynamic radio frequency threats.
Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business area vice-president and general manager Joe Rambala said: "With enhanced software programmability and reduced size and weight, our latest system ensures that naval aviators stay ahead of emerging electronic threats.
"Exelis has helped advance the navy’s electronic warfare mission for more than 16 years, and this milestone extends our record to 198 months of on-time delivery to the IDECM programme."
Manufactured at the Exelis Electronic Systems (ES) facility in Clifton, New Jersey, US, the ALQ-214(V) 4/5 is the enhanced version of the ALQ-214(V)3.
Image: A US Navy (USN) F/A-18F Super Hornet. Photo: courtesy of the US Navy / camera operator: TSGT ROB TABOR, USAF.
