Shadow EW is intended to give smaller aircraft situational awareness and self-defense capabilities in contested environments. The product line combines configurable hardware with software that can be updated as threats change.
“The modern battlefield is changing at an unprecedented pace and all platforms, regardless of size, require adaptable electronic warfare capabilities to survive,” said Rebecca Cruz, director of Shadow EW products at BAE Systems. “Shadow EW solutions provide flexible, configurable hardware paired with iterative software updates to counter rapidly evolving threats.”
BAE Systems is using commercial microchips to provide the computing capacity required by the system. The company said this approach will improve supply-chain efficiency and support faster production at lower cost.
The products are small, lightweight and designed to operate with limited electrical power. Their open architecture is intended to reduce integration work across different aircraft and support field upgrades.
Shadow EW can perform missions ranging from situational awareness and targeting to deception and platform protection. The systems can also support collaborative effects across connected aircraft.
The program reflects a shift toward electronic warfare equipment that can be installed on larger numbers of lower-cost platforms. BAE Systems said its existing workforce and high-volume manufacturing capability will support production at scale.
Manufacturing will take place at BAE Systems facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Design and software work will be conducted in Nashua, New Hampshire.
