News Article
Next Generation Jammer arrays use GaN transmitter technology
The technology is developed for mid band and high band PAs which employ gallium nitride semiconductors
Along with Boeing, ITT Exelis has successfully completed testing of critical components of the GaN array transmitter technology envisioned for the U.S. Navy Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) program.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler will be the initial host platform for the Next Generation Jammer
The testing, observed by U.S. Navy representatives, successfully demonstrated multiple critical technology elements, including digital beam-forming, mid band and high band Power Amplifiers (PAs). These demonstrations were accomplished in accordance with program objectives to achieve a high-technology readiness level deemed critical to reducing future technical risk to the Navy’s Next Generation Jammer program.
The digital beam-forming technology demonstrated recent advancements made in broad band electronically steerable antenna arrays. The technology developed for the mid band and high band PAs displayed high technical maturity and performance of state-of-the-art gallium nitride semiconductors, as well as the packaging and cooling required for a future NGJ array transmitter.
“Our receiver exciter expertise, coupled with these recent successes, enables a low-risk transition to an integrated operational system,” said Bob Ferrante, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Electronic Systems’ airborne electronic attack business. “Our technology efforts are highly focused to ensure we address the evolving NGJ requirements.”
The NGJ will help ensure that U.S. forces have complete dominance of the electronic spectrum, providing a comprehensive capability to disrupt and disable enemy communications and radars. Exelis, teamed with Boeing, leads one of four industry teams in competition to develop the final NGJ system.
The NGJ program, valued at more than $2 billion, will replace the current inventory of aging ALQ-99 jamming pods on the Navy’s newest airborne electronic attack aircraft, the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The Next Generation Jammer pod will also be a stepping stone to electronic attack capability on other advanced platforms.