BAE Systems demonstrates modular airborne electromagnetic attack capabilities in U.S. Air Force tests

The small-scale systems are intended to generate mass electromagnetic effects from multiple platforms with differing mission capabilities. According to the company, the approach enables distributed electromagnetic attack across a wider operational network.

The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and other organizations. The prototype system was flown in a weapon pod on a test aircraft representing a Group 4 or Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicle.

The event highlighted BAE Systems’ ability to rapidly prototype a compact electromagnetic attack system running proven counter-C5ISRT software, including a third-party software application. The counter-C5ISRT mission refers to operations targeting command, control, communications, computing, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems.

Rory Duddy, program director for Modular Electromagnetic Attack at BAE Systems, said, “We’re showing the armed services that we can scale down our high-performance EA hardware and repurpose it for smaller nodes on the network.” He added, “We’re innovating to deliver a cost-efficient mix of exquisite and affordable capabilities that work together to deliver a discriminating effect on the battlespace.”

The configurable system uses core building blocks from BAE Systems’ high-power airborne electromagnetic attack weapon systems designed for counter-C5ISRT missions. In its modular form, it delivers lower-cost capabilities in a demonstration-ready package for smaller applications, supporting an affordable network of distributed electromagnetic attack assets.

The system is designed to give warfighters the flexibility to independently deliver specific counter-C5ISRT effects or complement the full-spectrum capability of the U.S. Air Force’s EA-37B electromagnetic attack aircraft. It can be configured for platforms based on size, weight and power constraints, as well as desired mission outcomes.

The modular system can be integrated into a weapon pod or adapted for collaborative combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary-wing platforms, ground vehicles, surface vessels and weapon stations. BAE Systems states that this provides a cost-effective method of increasing counter-C5ISRT capacity and enabling simultaneous effects for U.S. and allied forces.

The company’s electromagnetic attack mission systems employ open architecture hardware, software-defined radios and electronic warfare applications. These systems allow for rapid hardware and software updates, including the integration of third-party applications, to address emerging threats.

According to BAE Systems, the modular electromagnetic attack system architecture aligns with Big Iron standards and is Software Open Systems Architecture compliant. It also incorporates high-performance commercial technology to enhance affordability while maintaining operational capability.