Raytheon Completes Flight Testing of AI-Powered Radar Warning Receiver for Fourth-Gen Aircraft

Raytheon has completed flight testing on the first-ever AI and machine learning-powered Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system for a fourth-generation aircraft.

The system, called the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), integrates the latest Embedded Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) with Deepwave Digital’s computing framework.

This combination allows AI models to be seamlessly incorporated into Raytheon’s RWR systems, enabling AI and ML processing directly at the sensor level.

This new integration enables CADS to use cognitive techniques to detect, identify, and prioritize potential threats. With this capability, the upgraded RWR will improve aircrew survival rates while also allowing for the rapid and cost-efficient deployment of advanced AI/ML capabilities.

The initial CADS hardware and cognitive radar processing functions were tested on Raytheon’s flight test aircraft. Successful performance was observed during further flight testing and demonstrations on an F-16 at the Air National Guard’s test range near Tucson, Arizona, in December.

The flight tests utilized containerized AI/ML methods developed by Georgia Tech Research Institute, Vadum, Inc., and Raytheon’s own cognitive electronic warfare team.

Raytheon expects CADS to be procured for use across multiple platforms starting in early 2025.

Bryan Rosselli, president of Raytheon’s Advanced Products and Solutions division, commented, “The potential of AI in defense systems is vast, and our recent CADS test illustrates how commercially available technologies, paired with advanced algorithms and cognitive methods, can provide the U.S. and its allies with a competitive edge over peer adversaries. CADS’ ability to quickly process data and implement third-party algorithms to prioritize threats with minimal latency will be key to enhancing the survivability of military personnel.”