Improved test capabilities for cost-effective performance evaluation of airborne electronic warfare systems

Abstract

State of the art test capabilities are described that can enable optimised electronic warfare (EW) system development programmes for military air platforms. EW systems are key enablers of air platform survivability and the above is important as defence ministries and industry world-wide wrestle with affordability, technical and industrial challenges. The military end user needs improved capability quickly, with high availability; defence ministries want this at lowest possible cost and with minimum risk. Satisfying these requirements, while remaining in business against a background of fierce international competition and world financial crisis, is indeed challenging. Improvements are described that can enable improved technical performance and lower cost, time and risk programmes than hitherto, with emphasis on RF EW systems and the recent multi-£M upgrade to BAE Systems’ EW Test Facility, with its aircraft-sized anechoic chamber. This upgrade assures a further decade of world-class UK capability for testing manned and unmanned air platforms.