“BAE Systems… today announced a critical program milestone with the successful insertion of new technology into its EW systems for the global fleet of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft”, the release said.
Upgrades to the AN/ASQ-239 will position it to meet future capability requirements and improve warfighters’ ability to conduct critical missions in contested airspace, BAE Systems said.
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The improved EW system delivers the functionality of the previous system in a smaller footprint, reducing volume and power requirements – creating space for Block IV modernization upgrade… [and] also resolves issues with manufacturing obsolescence”, the release said. The ASQ-239 system provides fully integrated radar warning, targeting support, and self-protection capabilities to engage, counter, jam, or evade threats to improve survivability and mission effectiveness, BAE Systems said.
Other notable setbacks included issues with the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), a computerized maintenance tool that functions as the fleet's management backbone, and "unacceptable" accuracy in weapons systems used in air-to-ground.
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