BAE develops handheld EW technology
BAE Systems has developed new handheld electronic warfare (EW) technology for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the company announced on 27 September.
The lightweight sensor is designed to be carried by soldiers to allow them to better understand radio frequency (RF) signals. It uses cognitive processing algorithms to detect and identify multiple interfering signals, such as enemy communication signals or jammers, in changing and challenging environments across a wide frequency spectrum.
The capability can be used by multiple platforms, including being integrated into large and small EW, signal intelligence (SIGINT), signal receiver and communication systems.
The technology was developed under DARPA’s Computational Leverage Against Surveillance Systems (CLASS) programme and the Cognitive Radio Low-Energy Signal Analysis Sensor ICs (CLASIC) programme.
The new handheld EW technology improves on current portable spectrum analysers, driven by a single low-power chip. As a result, BAE Systems claims that it can achieve a tenfold reduction in power consumption, weight and size as compared to conventional spectrum analysers.
Recent field tests saw the system successfully detect and identify over ten signal types across a wide bandwidth, despite the presence of interference. BAE Systems expects to continue maturing the technology for eventual deployment across its EW, SIGINT and tactical communications offerings.
Joshua Niedzwiecki, director of sensor processing and exploitation at BAE Systems, said: ‘By drastically reducing the size, weight, and power of this new cognitive EW system, we’re making it easier for our warfighters to be aware of, classify, and manage a wide range of signals in the battlespace, which is crucial for tactical situational awareness.’
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
