Sat, Oct 22, 2005
Will Allow Spy Plane Pilots To See Even More
BAE Systems has
announced deployment of the company's AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive
System (ADS) on US Air Force U-2S reconnaissance airplanes. The
system will now be deployed in military operations, after achieving
initial operating capability.
The AN/ALQ-221 consists of an integrated Radar Warning Receiver
(RWR) and Electronic Countermeasures system (ECM) designed to give
U-2 pilots additional situational awareness. The system also allows
self-protection capabilities against numerous current and future
threats, according to a company press release.
"Due to the hard work of many agencies, all of the necessary
milestones have been satisfied and we declare the AN/ALQ-221
electronic warfare system initial operating capability," said Maj.
Gen. Kenneth DeCuir, USAF director of air and space
operations.
The venerable U-2 routinely flies above 70,000 feet, providing
US forces and their allies with surveillance and recon information.
Last month, the airplanes also saw duty in mapping coastal areas,
ahead of Hurricane Rita's advance on the Gulf Coast.
The ADS is the latest advancement in BAE Systems' 40-year work
in electronic countermeasures (ECM) technology. The system was
designed to be an integral part of the U-2S modernization program,
and is tied in the aircraft's avionics and MFD cockpit
displays.
"It is extremely rewarding for our team to be able to field such
a capable system for protecting U-2 pilots," said John Normand, BAE
Systems' U-2 program manager.
System production of the AN/ALQ-221 began in 2004 in the
company's New Hampshire facility, and is nearly complete. The last
systems are scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force by the end
of the month.
More News
Bolen Issues Statement Reinforcing Need To Reopen Government The National Business Aviation Association’s President and CEO issued the statement below in response to further >[...]
Output May Reach Its Best Since 2018 Despite Trailing Behind Airbus Boeing delivered 53 jets in October, bringing its 2025 total to 493 aircraft and marking its strongest output si>[...]
Low-Cost Airline Admits “Substantial Doubt” It Can Stay Airborne Spirit Airlines has once again found itself in financial trouble, this time less than a year after clai>[...]
Travelers Leaving Changi Will Soon Pay for Sustainable Fuel Starting April 2026, passengers flying out of Singapore will find a new fee tucked into their tickets: a Sustainable Avi>[...]
Pilot Was Having Difficulty Controlling The Airplane’S Rudder Pedals Due To His Physical Stature Analysis: The pilot was having difficulty controlling the airplane’s ru>[...]
NBAA Responds To GA/BA Operational Restrictions
See All