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ɫ��ֱ�� continues to deliver on its promise to elevate electronic warfare (EW) capabilities on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, modernizing its defenses to protect aircrews from emerging threats in increasingly contested, complex environments. As part of an $80 million contract awarded in 2023 to develop a next-generation EW system for the Boeing-made aircraft, ɫ��ֱ�� recently successfully completed critical hardware checks and cutting-edge capability demonstrations that set the stage for the next phase of integration and testing. 

3D printing paves the way to successful hardware fit checks 

Over a two-day period in August, teams from ɫ��ֱ�� and Boeing came together at the Navy’s air test and evaluation unit in Patuxent River, Md., to conduct hardware fit checks on our Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) system for the F/A-18. The ɫ��ֱ�� team used 3D-printed models of the system, including connectors and wiring, to ensure the system's physical interfaces will integrate properly with the aircraft. No significant issues were found, validating our design and smoothing the path toward further prototype development.

The successful fit checks show that using 3D printed models is a smart, effective way to test and develop new technology. By creating detailed, physical replicas of components, engineers can identify and resolve potential issues well ahead of the formal prototype modification period.

Simulation tests reveal groundbreaking ADVEW capabilities

The ɫ��ֱ�� and Naval Air Systems Command team put ADVEW through its paces at the U.S. Navy’s Threat Air Defense Lab (TADL), which provides a closed-loop simulation environment to evaluate capabilities against government-validated threat models. ADVEW achieved expectations over five days of rigorous testing, demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities in advanced threat response techniques. 

“These two critical testing milestones are our latest successes in decades of delivering cutting-edge EW capabilities to the F/A-18,” said Jennifer Lewis, President, Airborne Combat Systems, ɫ��ֱ��. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and excited to move to the next phase of development as we continue push the boundaries of what’s possible in protecting U.S. Navy aircrews from emerging threats.”

ɫ��ֱ�� plans to conduct the next major design review with the Navy by the end of 2024. Prototype integration and testing are planned for Q1 2025, with delivery of the initial system expected in Q2. The Navy aims to conduct chamber testing in late 2025, where it’ll validate the system installed in an actual F/A-18.

Learn more about ɫ��ֱ��’ advanced EW solutions for the F/A-18.