Raytheon has successfully completed a design review for its Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) system prototype, which is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the US Navy’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fleet. This key development comes under an $80 million contract awarded last year, which stipulates the replacement of existing electronic warfare components aboard the aircraft.
The primary goal of the ADVEW system is to develop a new electronic warfare solution that will replace the current AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure and the AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver systems. By focusing on improving threat detection capabilities, the ADVEW system is positioned to enhance the Super Hornets’ operational effectiveness in increasingly complex and hostile environments.
Bryan Rosselli, President of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon, emphasized the significance of this review, stating, “It demonstrates our multi-function approach of integrating electronic support and electronic attack to revolutionize modern electronic warfare systems.” He emphasized that the solution aims to equip the fleet with the necessary tools to counteract evolving threats posed by some of the world’s most dangerous adversaries both now and in the future.
Following the successful completion of the design review, the ADVEW program is set to proceed into its next phase. This will involve extensive testing within a US government laboratory to ensure the system meets established Open Mission Systems standards—a crucial benchmark for interoperability and functionality.
In the development of the ADVEW system, Raytheon has employed advanced digital and model-based systems engineering tools that aim to significantly boost the operational performance of the Super Hornet. The incorporation of these tools has facilitated a smoother system integration process throughout the developmental phase, which in turn mitigates risks during the rapid deployment of the system onto the aircraft.
Moreover, Raytheon’s design strategy leverages a shared material base and optimized manufacturing processes, contributing to a reduction in costs and enabling faster production timelines. This keen focus on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness will be vital as the Navy continues to modernize and enhance its aerial capabilities.
