Lockheed Martin has awarded BAE Systems a contract to upgrade the electronic warfare (EW) suite it provides for the F-35 fighter.
The work involves upgrading the AN/ASQ-239 EW/countermeasures system for the Block 4 configuration of the aircraft, says BAE Systems.
"The F-35 will be in service for decades, and we're committed to providing our pilots with an AN/ASQ-239 capability that affords a decisive and sustained EW operational advantage," says Deborah Norton, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems.
"Our robust, modular architecture enables us to efficiently insert new capabilities, supporting the next wave of technical innovation while proactively addressing total product lifecycle sustainability."
BAE Systems has provided the type’s EW system for the last 14 years, designing and developing the EW suite for the Block 1, 2, and 3 configurations of the aircraft.
“The Block 4 program is a multi-year, multi-contract design and development effort that will add eleven new capabilities to the EW system,” adds BAE Systems.
The upgrade will fall under the F-35’s new Continuous Capability Development and Delivery initiative, which sees capabilities and enhancements rolled out in 6-12 month intervals.
BAE Systems adds that it has produced over 500 AN/ASQ-239 EW suites for the F-35 programme.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
