US Navy okays prototype design of next-gen F/A-18 electronic warfare system

The US Navy has approved prototype design plans for L3Harris electronic warfare systems designed for F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft.

As informed, the company recently conducted a preliminary design review (PDR) for the ADVEW system prototype, designed to provide F/A-18 jets with modern countermeasures.

The system is expected to enable the aircraft’s mission in an environment where threats and adversaries are becoming more sophisticated.

Now, the next phase of the project includes Prototype System Integration Lab Testing which will happen this summer.

This PDR latest milestone is part of an $80 million contract with the U.S. Navy and builds on L3Harris’ two-decade legacy of delivering advanced EW systems to the F/A-18, the company noted.

In November 2023, the US Navy signed a contract with the firm to continue developing advanced systems to modernize electronic warfare capabilities on F/A-18 aircraft. It is one of two companies down-selected for the initial prototype contract. 

The advanced L3Harris system will feature an integrated electronic support measure and electronic attack system, providing prompt threat detection across all relevant radio frequency bands.

With a modular open systems approach and open mission systems compliant design, this innovation allows crews to easily insert new and upgraded technology, according to L3Harris.

L3Harris’ EW solutions are already successfully integrated on today’s F/A-18, the company noted.

L3Harris has received more than $2 billion in awards to date from the Naval Air Systems Command for AN/ALQ-214 development and production.