Caption: AN/APR-39D(V)2 digital
radar warning receiver Courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp.
Thales' current offering is based on the Cats, a new-generation
radar warning receiver that includes ESM functions and is based on an open architecture to enable modular integration of receiver extensions and increased detection range for all types of radar threats (thanks to an additional digital receiver).
As an IPT lead in the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Office, I help provide the fleet a quality
radar warning receiver system that is designed to offer maximum survivability on fixed wing, rotary wing, tilt rotor, and transport aircraft.
The Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System, or AIDEWS, is an integrated digital
radar warning receiver and advanced jamming countermeasures system.
They are also capable of carrying torpedoes, fitted with sophisticated Pulse Compression Radar, Low Frequency Dipping Sonar,
Radar Warning Receiver and Doppler Navigation System.
A typical modern
radar warning receiver is the widely used BAE Systems North America/Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems' AN/APR-39A family, a digital version of the analogue AN/APR-39 that weighs between 7 and 16 kg.
In addition, the Super Hornet's new IDECM suite, including the latest
radar warning receiver, extra chaff and flares, towed missile decoys and radar jammers, gave the pilots enhanced confidence to operate deep into the heart of Iraq's air defense systems.
As such, the suite is described as being an integrated modular equipment that incorporates the BAE Systems Avionics' Sky Guardian 2000
radar warning receiver (RWR) and Series 1223 laser warning receiver (LWR), the BAE Systems North America AN/AAR-57(V) Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) and a Thales Optronics (Vinten) Vicon 78 Series 455 CounterMeasures Dispensing System (CMDS).
Phase Two's real-time signal processing software, software laboratories and threat file processing are used to develop and test electronic warfare systems, including the AN/ALR-67
radar warning receiver suite in use on several US military combat aircraft.
Depending on the aircraft and the level of threat, a basic fit of
radar warning receiver (RWR) and chaff/flare dispenser can be radically enhanced by the addition of electronic countermeasures jamming equipment (internal or podded), and laser and/or missile warners.
During the intercept, the aircrew noted radar detection range,
radar warning receiver indications from the MiG's Slotback radar, positive identification capability and the ability to defeat the MiG's radar and heat-seeking missiles.