F-35 - Stealthy Jammer Considered for F-35
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By Amy Butler and Douglas Barrie
LE BOURGET
Study work has been carried out examining the benefits of fitting a low-observable electronic warfare pod to the Lockheed Martin F-35 to further boost the aircraft’s electronic combat capability, according to a U.S. Marine Corps officer.
The F-35 is a candidate platform for the next-generation jammer (NGJ), though a conventional pod design would impact the aircraft’s radar cross-section. Using a stealthy pod configuration would provide additional capability while minimizing the impact on the aircraft’s low-observable characteristics.
The NGJ has an anticipated initial operating capability in 2018, aligning the development with the Block V F-35, the officer says. The Block IV aircraft, which is now being defined, would, however, have the software “hooks” to include the jammer. The Block 4 design is expected to be locked by the end of the year.
The USMC is looking to the F-35 to provide a successor EW and electronic attack capability to that of the EA-6B Prowler/ALQ-99 combination.
The baseline F-35 will in itself provide a significant EW/EA capability. The aircraft’s APG-81 active electronically-scanned array radar will give a stand-off jamming capability against present and emerging surface-to-air missile threat systems, substantially degrading the SAM system engagement envelope.
Today’s fleet consists of a small number of dedicated platforms. The JSF program calls for EW technology to be embedded into the baseline aircraft, allowing the war planners more freedom in crafting combat operations.
Systems such as the Almaz-Antei S-400 (SA-21 Growler), just entering service with the Russian military, present a capable threat to the present generation of strike aircraft. Derivatives of the S-400 are expected to be exported by Russia.
The USMC is looking to spiral develop the F-35’s electronic warfare and electronic attack capacity as its replacement for the Prowler. It is also looking at the utility of unmanned aerial vehicles as an adjunct to the F-35 in the EW/EA role, the officer says.
Photo: USAF
