BAE Systems has installed its advanced electronic warfare system onto the under-development EC-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft in collaboration with the US Air Force.
The Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology transitions the aircraft’s hardware-based electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) warfare capability to software-based, BAE Systems wrote.
BAE Systems director of Electronic Attack Solutions Pam Potter said, “This [SABER] is a leading-edge upgrade that integrates third-party apps, giving aircrews the capability to respond to threats faster than ever before.“
‘Compass Call’
The EC-37B is an upgrade of Lockheed Martin’s EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, involving the transfer of BAE’s mission systems to the Gulfstream G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning Aircraft airframe. The upgraded aircraft will also reportedly contain additional sensors and communication gear for enhanced stand-off jamming capability.
The EC-130H airborne tactical electronic attack weapon system was introduced in the 1980s to “disrupt enemy command and control communications, radar, and navigation systems.”
The new aircraft will feature a modular design to absorb future upgrades and have greater speed and range than its predecessor, with half its weight and operating costs. The air force expects to receive 10 EC-37Bs, with the first two scheduled in 2023.