Tue, Jul 01, 2003
Making the Special C-130s Harder to Find, Hit
BAe Systems has been selected by Boeing to provide the
AN/ALQ-196 Low Band Jammer for the U.S. Air Force's Special
Operations Command (AFSOC). BAe will work with the prime
contractor, Boeing (in Fort Walton Beach, FL), to integrate the
ALQ-196 Low Band Jammer onboard AFSOC's MC-130H Talon II and
AC-130U gunship aircraft.
The ALQ-196 gives aircrews a highly effective defense
against current and future radio frequency (RF) missile threats.
The ALQ-196 system has been in operation on AFSOC MC-130E Talon I
aircraft since 1994 and a similar system onboard on the Air Force's
U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft has proven its effectiveness for more than
two decades.
"The unique and critical mission of our Special Operations
forces demands the highest level of electronic protection available
today," said Don Donovan, IEWS vice president and general manager
for the Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business.
"By outfitting these AFSOC aircraft with the ALQ-196, we are proud
to provide the Air Force with the outstanding capability that these
forces both demand and deserve."
MC-130 aircrews work closely with
Army, Navy, and Air Force Special Operations forces. Primary
missions are day and night, all weather infiltration, exfiltration,
and resupply of special operations forces in hostile or denied
territory. AC-130 primary missions include close air support, armed
reconnaissance and air interdiction.
The Low Band Jammer award follows an earlier award from Boeing
last November, in which BAE SYSTEMS was also selected to develop
and produce a high-powered fiber optic towed decoy (HPFOTD) system
for the U.S. Air Force's MC-130 E/H and AC-130 U/H aircraft. BAe
will provide a system with up to eight retrievable decoys. With
this system, the decoy will be deployed when needed and retrieved,
instead of being severed like current towed decoy systems. The
HPFOTD converts, amplifies and radiates techniques that are used to
defeat radar-guided missiles. That contract is expected to be worth
in excess of $100 million over the next five years.
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All