PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
Study considers radar system's current effectiveness and limits of spectrum capability
The next generation of active electronically scanned array (AESA) fighter radars could have a role in electronic warfare (EW), but will have a limited spectrum capability unless there is investment in developing more robust systems, according to a recently concluded US Navy-led study into replacing the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler.
The US Air Force is interested in harnessing AESA radars as part of a wider distributed network providing EW battle management, rather than relying on a single dedicated platform such as theEA-6B. The air force is already equipping Boeing F-15C Eagles with an AESA radar, the Raytheon APG-63(V)2. This will be followed into service by the Northrop Grumman APG-77 on the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor in 2005.
Further downstream the new Multi Function Array planned for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be the first radar designed to receive and transmit in an EW role. "AESA radars will play a role, but their frequency is limited to basically complementing Band 7/8 jammers and not a wide spectrum," according to an industry official.
AESA was among 23 options considered in the US Navy-led Electronic Attack analysis of alternatives (AoA), the final report of which is due to be presented to the US Office of the Secretary of Defense on 14 December.
The study's focus includes an insight into AESA's current capabilities, how much more could be invested in active-array systems to provide a wider EW coverage and whether fighters should perform such a role.
There is also the wider issue of the effectiveness of a distributed network. This would use separate receiver and jammer platforms, either manned or unmanned, and be dependent on datalinks such as Link 16 to distribute emitter location and frequency data.
"The real challenge is exchanging information. If I have a jammer on AESA, but have not received the location what good does it do me?" asks one defence department official.
Another key EA-6B EW role is to disrupt communications including datalinks, and there is concern that enemy jamming could disrupt Link 16. For a distributed network to work effectively, a multiple path link and better protection would also have to be developed, suggests a source close to the study.
Source: Flight International
