Exelis producing more EW counter-measure gear for Navy jets

CLIFTON, N.J., April 30 (UPI) -- Exelis is to begin Lot 11 full-rate production of an electronic jamming sub-system that protects F/A-18C/D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters.

Exelis’ ALQ-214(V)4/5 is part of the integrated defensive electronic counter-measures, or IDECM, suite that protects the U.S. Navy aircraft from radio frequency threats, such as hostile radar and air defense systems.

Exelis says the technology enables operations in contested environments to address anti-access/area denial challenges. “Today’s electronic warfare solutions must keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats,” said Joe Rambala, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business area. “Exelis technologies have supported electronic warfare missions for more than 40 years, and our company remains committed to supplying customers with reliable, cost-effective and advanced systems.”

The Navy contract is worth $91million and brings the total value of ALQ-214(V)4/5 production orders to more than $287 million. Work will begin immediately at a facility in New Jersey of Exelis Electronic Systems.

“With this contract, the U.S. Navy has again shown confidence in our technology and our continual improvement of the system’s design and capabilities,” said Ron Silbermann, Exelis IDECM program director. “Airborne self-protection jammers like the ALQ-214 will allow U.S. and allied forces to maintain a strategic edge in contested environments.”