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Jamming system for U.S. Navy enters next phase of development

A new electronic jamming system from Raytheon for the U.S. Navy enters a new development phase.

By Richard Tomkins
Raytheon's Next Generation Jammer system for Navy EA-18G aircraft is carried in a pod. Image courtesy U.S. Navy
Raytheon's Next Generation Jammer system for Navy EA-18G aircraft is carried in a pod. Image courtesy U.S. Navy

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., April 12 (UPI) -- A new electronic jamming device for U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft has won Department of Defense approval for Engineering & Manufacturing Development.

The system -- Next Generation Jammer Increment 1 -- gained Milestone Decision Authority approval after Raytheon's development plans were judged as meeting the system's proposed cost, schedule and performance objectives and were in line with meeting warfighter requirements.

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"I am extremely proud of our team and our product," said Capt. John Bailey, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) program manager. "The grassroots dedication, commitment of our personnel and the groundbreaking technology will result in a potent fleet capability."

During the EMD phase the system will be further developed before being produced, according to Naval Air Systems Command. The capability is expected to reach its system-level critical design review next year, finalizing the system design and allowing for the fabrication and assembly of test articles.

NGJ Inc 1 is an external jamming pod. It is being developed to replace the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system on the EA-18G Growler.

The new system will use digital, software-based and Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technologies and provide enhanced capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems.

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