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
“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 >[...]
Aero Linx: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport’s favorite son, is located on State Route 54, one half mile south of the vill>[...]
The Flight Instructor Noticed Some Engine Roughness And Diverted Toward Westwinds Airport On November 2, 2025, about 1630 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just>[...]
From 2014 (YouTube Edition) -- Disclaimer: No Matter What He Tells You, Tom Is Not A Certified Firefighting Pilot While at EAA AirVenture 2014, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton checked >[...]
Aero-News: Quote of the Day (11.20.25)
See All