EA-18 Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) . News

 
IL Serge Pod #18.11.2001 07:25
+
-
edit
 

Serge Pod

администратор

Boeing demonstrates EA-18 airborne electronic attack variant



16 November 2001

Boeing has completed an initial flight demonstration of its EA-18 Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) concept aircraft. The test used an F/A-18F Super Hornet to carry three ALQ-99 jamming pods and two fuel tanks while measuring noise and vibration data and assessing aircraft flying qualities.

The EA-18 is one of the platforms under consideration in a US Department of Defense analysis of alternatives to replace the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft. The US Navy has an operational need to start replacing the Prowler by 2008.

"The EA-18 will perform full-spectrum electronic surveillance and electronic attack of enemy threat radars and communications nets," said Paul Summers, director for Boeing's F/A-18 derivative programmes. "The EA-18 leverages the US Navy's investment in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet platform and Northrop Grumman's Improved Capability III radar receiver system, which represents a significantly reduced risk approach over other unproven platforms and systems."

A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, a platform which is in current production, the EA-18 is a flexible design that enables the warfighter to perform a broad range of tactical missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based fields.

The EA-18 is 99 percent common with the Super Hornet and would be expected to reduce support and training costs for the US Navy significantly.

The EA-18 is the result of an engineering design, development and test effort that began in late 1993. This effort has included avionics and aircraft conceptual design, engineering analysis, high- and low-speed wind tunnel testing, electromagnetic interference/compatibility laboratory testing, antenna range testing and extensive crew-vehicle interface development.

The combination of a validated design, proven platform and proven electronics positions the EA-18 programme to begin a system development and demonstration phase as early as 2003.

The Department of Defense plans to announce the results of the analysis of alternatives for the AEA mission next month.


REF XQQAS XQQAR XQQSA
DSD
   

в начало страницы | новое
 
Поиск
Настройки
Твиттер сайта
Статистика
Рейтинг@Mail.ru