Raytheon Co. has been selected by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to provide its Advanced Countermeasure Electronic System (ACES) for the second group of Iraq's F-16IQ aircraft ordered this year. ACES was also selected by Lockheed Martin in 2012 for the first group of F-16IQs and is the integrated electronic warfare system of choice for other international air forces.
"ACES offers the latest in electronic warfare self protection technology designed specifically for the tactical fighter environment and mission," said Mark Kula, vice president of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business. "Our system identifies, locates and reacts to potential threats before they can engage. This is critical, game-changing technology needed in today's increasingly complex threat environment."
Raytheon's ACES consists of a radar warning receiver, digital jammer and chaff-flare dispenser. The advanced integrated system is Raytheon's newest electronic warfare offering for the F-16 weapon system and provides effective situational awareness and threat countermeasures that enhance aircrew survivability.
The latest contract from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics calls for 18 ACES systems plus spares, with deliveries beginning in August 2015. Deliveries of ACES systems for the first group of F-16IQs are scheduled for later this year.
Raytheon's electronic warfare systems – including towed decoy systems, radar warning receivers and integrated suites – are currently deployed on U.S. and international aircraft and ships worldwide. The company's Next Generation Jammer was also recently selected by the U.S. Navy for its EA-18G Growler tactical airborne electronic attack aircraft.