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2023-12-10

L3Harris’ EW System Provides Shield for F/A-18 Pilots

L3Harris Technologies has clinched a contract from the U.S. Navy, aimed at bolstering the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of F/A-18 aircraft. The US$80 million agreement will facilitate the development of advanced EW system, fortifying pilot protection against current and future threats, thus modernising and enhancing the defensive capabilities within the Navy’s F/A-18 fleet.

It is one of two companies down-selected for the initial prototype contract. The final decision for follow-on development and production contracts is expected in 2026.

The advanced L3Harris system will feature an integrated electronic support measure and electronic attack system, providing prompt threat detection across all relevant radio frequency bands.

With a modular open systems approach and open mission systems compliant design, this innovation allows crews to easily insert new and upgraded technology, saving time and reducing costs.

Protecting Aviators

Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris, explained: “L3Harris is developing the advanced EW system to drive mission success and ensure naval aviators are protected for years to come.

This award builds upon decades of delivering EW systems to the Navy, and we are excited that our technology is protecting pilots in dangerous situations while allowing them to dominate potential adversaries.”

L3Harris has delivered pioneering EW solutions to F/A-18s for over two decades. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the company continues to furnish these capabilities not only to the U.S. Air Force but also to allied air services worldwide.

The company has been instrumental in crafting and supplying technologies crucial to the F/A-18’s communications, situational awareness, electronic warfare, and payload delivery. These capabilities are vital for aviators, ensuring mission success and safe return.

Advanced Processors

From advanced processors and networking systems to fibre optics and conformal wideband antennas, L3Harris avionics ensure that the F/A-18 continually performs at the cutting edge and that critical information is always at the aviator’s fingertips.

Its smart carriage and release technology guarantees secure payload transportation and delivery for the F/A-18. The electronic warfare advancements, notably the ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) system, stand as one of the most advanced self-protection systems, safeguarding Hornets and Super Hornets against evolving electronic threats.

Flying onboard the EA-18G Growler, the ALQ-99, the Navy’s principal standoff jammer, offers powerful electronic attack capabilities and complete spectrum dominance to support joint operations in every domain.

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