BAE Systems Kicks Off Production of Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems for U.S. Air Force F-15 Fighter Jets
The electronic warfare and countermeasure system on the F-15 Eagle, developed by BAE Systems, offers sophisticated electromagnetic capabilities that safeguard pilots and enable them to sustain aerial dominance during their most challenging operations.
BAE Systems has secured a $58 million contract from Boeing to initiate Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) for the U.S. Air Force. This advanced electronic warfare (EW) and countermeasures system is designed to enhance pilot protection during critical missions.
“The commencement of EPAWSS production is a pivotal milestone and reflects the commitment and dedication of our industry team,” stated Jerry Wohletz, Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Combat Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our technology is state-of-the-art, our production facilities are top-tier, and our team is both innovative and mission-driven.”
The fully digital EPAWSS empowers pilots to detect, jam, and mislead threats in contested airspaces. The system integrates multispectral sensors, countermeasures, leading-edge signal processing, microelectronics, and smart algorithms to provide comprehensive radar warning, situational awareness, geolocation, and self-defense capabilities.
The successful completion of a series of extensive flight tests, ground evaluations, and rigorous technology demonstrations led the U.S. Air Force to advance with LRIP. Throughout the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, BAE Systems is implementing incremental upgrades to the EPAWSS flight software, adding new geolocation and threat identification functionalities. Consequently, system performance is consistently enhancing in both ground/flight tests and dense signal environments during hardware-in-the-loop (HiTL) trials at the U.S. Air Force’s Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory.
“I take pride in our collective team for their exceptional contributions to this program,” remarked F-15 EPAWSS Program Manager Lt Col Dan Carroll. “The LRIP milestone symbolizes years of dedication from many talented individuals within the government and from our Boeing and BAE Systems partners. EPAWSS will significantly elevate the survivability and functionality of the F-15, complementing what is already an extremely capable and formidable aircraft.”
BAE Systems has also validated the hardware maturity and manufacturing preparedness of EPAWSS. In anticipation of the LRIP and other vital EW production requirements, the company has invested over $100 million in leading-edge EW laboratories and manufacturing facilities, while expanding its team of innovative, mission-oriented specialists.
Work on the EPAWSS initiative is conducted at BAE Systems locations in Nashua, New Hampshire; Austin, Texas; and Totowa, New Jersey.
