US Navy contracts BAE for next-generation aircraft survivability system
A rendering of Smart D2 countermeasures being deployed. (Image: BAE Systems)
BAE's Smart D2 technology supports the USN's conversion from round to square countermeasures.
The USN has awarded BAE Systems a $13.5 million agreement for its Smart D2 technology as part of the service's ALE-47 Common Carriage programme, which increases expendable payload countermeasure capacity for naval aircraft.
The agreement marks the US DoD's first purchase of Smart D2 equipment.
Instead of replacing the ALE-47 system in its entirety, Smart D2 allows for critical elements such as the programmer, sequencer, dispenser and expendables to be replaced.
Related Articles
BAE Systems introduces Smart D2 system
US Army orders aircraft flare countermeasures
Royal Navy to get upgraded torpedo launchers and countermeasures
Smart D2 also supports the USN's conversion to square form factor expendable countermeasures in line with the USAF and US Army, rather than round countermeasures.
The programme incorporates a regularly updated database of threats and identifies suitable payload, quantity and dispensing intervals for each countermeasure.
It also provides two-way communication to allow pilots to make informed decisions.
The technology will be deployed on the USN's rotary and fixed-wing aircraft and will also operate on future platforms.
BAE Systems advanced compact electronic warfare solutions product line director Don Davidson said: 'Aircraft survivability technology is in a race against emerging threats. Smart D2 elevates legacy systems to the technology capabilities of next-generation smart countermeasures.'
BAE Systems is undertaking Smart D2 work at its Austin, Texas, facility.
More from Air Warfare
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons]()
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
-
![T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia]()
T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia
Textron Aviation Defense has said it is confident it can continue to grow orders across Asia as Japan selects the T-6 Texan II to replace the Fuji T-7.
-
![Northrop gets $3.5 billion contract to integrate mission systems for E-6B successor]()
Northrop gets $3.5 billion contract to integrate mission systems for E-6B successor
The E-130J aircraft will take over the E-6B for the US Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out system.
