BAE Systems to Supply B-2 Threat-Warning System Upgrade

http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-03-02/bae-systems-supply-b-2-thr ^ | 3/2/2012 | Bill Carey

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With a recent contract award from Northrop Grumman to provide electronic support measures (ESM) on the B-2 Spirit bomber, BAE Systems will be providing electronic warfare on all three U.S. Air Force low-observable platforms, including the F-22 and F-35 fighters, according to the company. The new ESM system will replace the original Lockheed Martin AN/APR-50 defensive management system on the 20 B-2s. The ESM system works in conjunction with the radar warning receiver to detect and alert aircrew to electronic threats.

Although it says it was selected “in a competitive bid process over the incumbent and industry’s top electronic warfare providers,” BAE (and Northrop Grumman) declined to comment on the contract award further or reveal which other companies had competed to supply the ESM system, details of which are classified. Northrop Grumman itself is a leading electronic warfare system supplier, as are Raytheon and ITT Exelis. Lockheed Martin said it was not selected for the next-generation system but is on contract to support the existing program.