Exelis completes AIDEWS system testing on F-16 fighter

ITT Exelis has completed installation and testing of the ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) on F-16 Fighting Falcons, operated by an undisclosed international customer.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The advanced self-defence electronic warfare system, an electronic countermeasure system available in internally integrated or pod-mounted configuration, was tested against a variety of radio frequency (RF) threats. Exelis Electronic Systems’ integrated electronic warfare systems vice-president and general manager Rich Sorelle said: "Since AIDEWS is based on modular, scalable EW technology and has a large installed base, allied forces will have lower maintenance and upgrade costs."

Developed from the ALQ-211 (V) 4 system, AIDEWS provides pilots with situational awareness and protection against radar-based threats, including modern surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems. The next-generation integrated radar warning and electronic countermeasures capability can be modified to provide integrated radar warning and RF countermeasures and advanced stand-alone radar warning to satisfy customer requirements.

The system can be integrated into a wide variety of US and allied defence rotary-wing and fighter aircraft including the NH-90 helicopter, V-22 Osprey, MH-47, MH-60 Black Hawk, F-16 Fighter and several commercial platforms.

ITT Exelis has also launched ALQ-211 (V)9, a pod-mounted version of the ALQ-211 electronic countermeasures system. The (V)9 pod provides digital radar warning, high-power jamming, threat geolocation and situational awareness using line replaceable units (LRUs) interchangeable with internal AIDEWS systems.

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Currently, more than 180 AIDEWS systems are under contract for six countries as part of the company’s foreign military sales (FMS) programme and, to date, 140 systems have been delivered along with continuous software support through regular system updates.

Image: ITT Exelis has completed testing of the ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) on F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets.