Advanced Electronic Warfare prototype for Super Hornet passes design review
ADVEW is being developed for use on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. (Photo: USN)
The Delta Design Review of the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype for the US Navy’s (USN’s) F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been successfully completed, an important stage for a system which may replace legacy systems on the aircraft.
ADVEW, which is being made by RTX’s Raytheon, will be considered as a replacement for the existing AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver.
It is described by the company as “integrating sixth-generation capabilities into the navy’s primary strike fighter aircraft”.
The review assessed the weapon’s replaceable assemblies and how each part of the hardware system works together to meet required specifications.
According to a statement from Raytheon: “The review confirmed that the system can provide critical electronic attack and electronic support measures capabilities.
“Raytheon’s integration of digital and model-based systems engineering tools in the development of ADVEW provides requirements traceability, streamlines system integration and mitigates risk to enable rapid aircraft integration.”
In December 2024, Raytheon was awarded a US$80 million contract in a downselect to prototype the system for the USN.
The successful completion of this review begins the next phase, which includes government laboratory testing, to validate Open Mission Systems compliance and to demonstrate advanced system attributes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.