U.S. Navy Approves L3 Harris' Prototype Design for F/A-18 Electronic Warfare System

L3Harris recently completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its ADVEW system prototype, which aims to equip F/A-18 jets with advanced countermeasures against threats.

The company plans to begin Prototype System Integration Lab Testing this summer as part of an $80 million contract with the U.S. Navy.

L3Harris’ integrated defensive electronic countermeasures (IDECM) AN/ALQ-214 on-board jammer (OBJ) is currently deployed on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F aircraft, offering protection against advanced radio frequency (RF) threats and integrated air defense systems. The AN/ALQ-214 system, now in its (V)4/5 version, is lighter and smaller than its predecessor, the (V)3 version, and provides enhanced capabilities. Its modular open system architecture (MOSA) design allows for easy technology upgrades to maintain air superiority.

The IDECM AN/ALQ-214 OBJ operates autonomously in hostile environments, countering RF threats with electronic countermeasures techniques. It identifies, prioritizes, and counters threats, providing situational awareness and self-protection for aircrew. The system's modular and reprogrammable design enables theater-specific configurations.

The ADVEW system integrates advanced detection and jamming capabilities across the RF spectrum, enhancing the survivability of the F/A-18 aircraft and its crew. Using a modular open systems approach, ADVEW allows for on-site technology upgrades, ensuring maintainability and cost-effectiveness while supporting quick fleet integration.