Lockheed Martin (LM) received a $25 million initial contract award for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) for the GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) system that will be integrated into the F-35 as part of its modernization phase, also known as Block 4. The GSTAR system will replace the current Antenna Electronics Unit (AEU) and will provide enhanced capabilities including the next-generation, anti-jam solution and provide a significant weight and cost reduction to the aircraft.
The F-35 today is the most technologically advanced fighter ever built. As threats advance and technology evolves, the joint government and industry team is modernizing the system to ensure it remains a step ahead. GSTAR is one of several key enhancements planned across the F-35’s sensors, data links, engine, mission systems, weapons and more.
“We are proud to be the supplier of choice for the F-35 upgrade program and look forward to providing the GSTAR system for years to come,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Advanced Product Solutions at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “This award is a testament to our Lockheed Martin-wide focus on innovation and advanced technology for the F-35 and our warfighters.”
The GSTAR is a fully digital system that provides the greatest protection against adversarial jamming and spoofing by utilizing critical GPS capabilities that can quickly adapt to meet specific platform requirements. The GSTAR system includes a dynamic range Radio Frequency (RF) front-end, digital beamformer and receiver that has been tested and proven against a variety of threat scenarios.
Lockheed Martin is a leader in the development of anti-jam GPS (AJ-GPS) technology for 20 years and has fielded more than 2,500 GSTAR systems. The GSTAR system provides highly effective digital Electronic Protection (EP) for any platform that relies on GPS for navigation.
With stealth technology, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.
Under terms of a recent contract, Lockheed Martin will provide the U.S. Army and foreign military customers additional electronic warfare systems that enable faster detection and identification of threats. The Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometer (MRFI) system identifies intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) emitters and allows the pilot to detect and engage a threat long before the aircraft becomes vulnerable, increasing aircraft survivability and lethality.
“Since the first delivery of the MRFI production unit in February 2018, the MRFI program has delivered enhanced electronic warfare capabilities to our U.S. Army and international coalition customers,” Hamid Salim, vice president, Advanced Product Solutions at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems said. “At Lockheed Martin, we continue to partner with our customers to modernize our forces and enhance their arsenal and capability readiness. We are extremely proud to offer this critical capability to the Apache warfighter.”
The MRFI system delivers accurate Radar Frequency information by quickly detecting, identifying, prioritizing, and locating radars in dynamic battlefield environments to protect air crews.
The recent $42.7 million contract for MRFI systems represents a second delivery order and increases the total program value to $102 million. MRFI production will be performed in Owego, New York through 2022.
Lockheed Martin has provided more than 7,800 electronic warfare (EW) systems for more than 50 years to the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. EW systems provide electronic attack, electronic protection and electronic support to disrupt adversaries and protect warfighters.
Lockheed Martin as awarded a second Multi-Year contract for AN/ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems for the U.S. Navy’s E-2D aircraft program. The five-year $50.9M Multi-Year contract includes the remainder of the 75 E-2D aircraft the US Navy is expected to purchase as part of their current program of record.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to continue producing AN/ALQ-217 ESM systems for the U.S. Navy’s use on its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft,” Joe Ottaviano, Business Development director, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Sytems said. “In today’s environment, our adversaries are developing advanced technologies to disrupt our defenses and we must remain vigilant and stay one step ahead. Having the ability to detect what’s in the electromagnetic spectrum first is crucial to the overall aircraft’s survivability and the safety of our warfighters.”
The AN/ALQ-217 ESM system, currently installed on U.S. Navy and international E-2C and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, provides a full range of ESM operational capabilities. The AN/ALQ-217 ESM system is capable of detecting, intercepting and geolocating RF signals, identifying weapon systems including the type, function and mode of intercepted emitters, while improving situational awareness. The ESM system has three RF operating range bands: low, mid and high; allowing a full 360-degree acquisition coverage in each band, providing a powerful performance.
The majority of work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. with deliveries spanning from 2021 through 2024.
Lockheed Martin has been the AN/ALQ-217 ESM supplier on the E-2C and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program since 1999.
Airborne EW systems include the AN/ALQ-210 for U.S. Navy and international MH-60R, AN/ALQ-217 for the U.S. Navy’s E-2C/D aircraft, and the APR-52 digital Radar Warning Receiver for U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopters. Additional airborne platforms include the AH-64D/E Apache Helicopter, B-2 Bomber, Canadian Maritime Helicopter and the CP-140. Naval EW systems include SEWIP Block 2 for aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers, and BLQ-10 and Multi-function Modular Mast (MMM) for Virginia- and Seawolf-class submarines.