Cobham has been awarded the Band 5/6 TWT (Travelling-wave Tube) Replacement Module Assembly (TRMA) development contract by the US Navy that could, if all options are exercised, be worth up to US$11.5 M. Cobham was competitively selected for this contract by the US Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Centre in Crane, IN.

The primary objective is to replace the existing TWT-based RF chain in the ALQ-99 Band 5/6 transmitter with a solid-state amplifier module and DC-DC converter.

“The ALQ-99 is a vital part of the suite carried by US Navy EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler aircraft to jam and suppress hostile radars and radar guided weapons,” said Steve Schaefer, President of Cobham Sensor Systems.

“The TRMA program replaces older technology with new for enhanced reliability and ease of maintenance. This award demonstrates the strength of Cobham’s continuing relationship with the Navy as a highly respected supplier for ALQ-99 transmitters and Airborne Electronic Attack transmitter technologies.”

The contract consists of a basic award and four options. The first phase is a risk reduction phase intended to demonstrate a technical approach that provides a feasible and cost effective solution.

Under this contract, work will be performed by Cobham Sensor Systems in Lansdale, PA.

At the conclusion of the risk reduction phase, the Navy may award follow-on options for preliminary design, detailed design, production and First Article Test of Engineering Development Model (EDM) units.