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
-
![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.
-
![BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme]()
BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
-
![Just Released: Space Technology Report]()
Just Released: Space Technology Report
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
-
![Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality]()
Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
-
![Northrop Grumman receives follow-on contract for CUAS and C-IED systems]()
Northrop Grumman receives follow-on contract for CUAS and C-IED systems
The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
-
![Adarga’s Vantage AI software selected for UK Strategic Command’s Defence Support]()
Adarga’s Vantage AI software selected for UK Strategic Command’s Defence Support
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
