Textron Systems Electronic Systems is set to supply its advanced architecture phase amplitude and time simulator (A²PATS) for simulation testing of the F-35 Lightning II electronic warfare (EW) systems.
The company will provide complex threat simulation capability for the aircraft at Eglin Air Force base, under a contract awarded by Lockheed Martin.
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The F-35 Norwegian, Italian Reprogramming Lab (NIRL) at the air base will use the A²PATS to develop and validate aircraft software requirements.
The A²PATS is a plug and play system that uses identical phase-coherent, direct digital synthetic stimulus instruments (SSI) as the radio frequency (RF) source for all signals.
Textron Systems Electronic Systems senior vice-president and general manager Steve T. Mensh said: “The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced tactical aircraft, designed to deliver powerful new capabilities to the warfighter.
“Our A²PATS gives the F-35 community the confidence needed to validate mission-critical electronic warfare systems.”
Designed to provide simulation capabilities and reduce life cycle costs, the advanced electromagnetic environment simulator incorporates electronic warfare, communications and electronic intelligence capabilities.
The threat simulation technology facilitates the testing of precision location, identification and defensive systems against virtually all ground-based and airborne threats.
According to the company, the advanced technology open architecture simulator distributes multiple RF synthesisers in a modular and expandable system.
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth generation fighter aircraft, whose EW capabilities enable pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks effectively.
Image: F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen.
