Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band takes to the skies for Growler flight testing

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Technologies' Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) successfully completed its first flight test on the EA-18G Growler on August 7, 2020, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. This advanced electronic attack system aims to disrupt enemy communications and air-defense systems. Following over 600 hours of ground testing, this milestone advances NGJ-MB towards Milestone C and initial operational capability (IOC). The program plans further testing to assess flight performance and system integration, with a total of 28 Engineering Development Model pods scheduled for delivery.

Positive

• Successful first flight test of the NGJ-MB on the EA-18G Growler.
• Completion of more than 600 hours of ground testing prior to the flight.
• Advancement towards Milestone C and initial operational capability (IOC).
• Delivery of 10 Engineering Development Model pods to date.

Negative

• None.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Built by Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business (NYSE: RTX), the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band flew on an EA-18G Growler – its first flight test on the aircraft. The U.S. Navy's NGJ-MB is an advanced electronic attack system that denies, disrupts and degrades enemy technology, including communication tools and air-defense systems.

"After hundreds of hours of successful ground and chamber testing, NGJ-MB's first Growler flight test marked a significant achievement for the program toward Milestone C and IOC," said Annabel Flores, vice president of Electronic Warfare Systems for RI&S. "It's a testament to the technology and the collaborative efforts of the RI&S team with the Navy's engineering, integration and test teams."

The first flight took place August 7, 2020, at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, meeting all objectives. Future mission systems flight testing will demonstrate weapons system control, power generation, and electromagnetic compatibility between jammer and aircraft, as well as the performance of NGJ-MB's high-capacity digital waveform generation and active electronically scanned arrays in flight against a variety of targets. Data from these flight tests on the Growler will inform Milestone C – the Navy's decision to start NGJ-MB production.

The flight follows more than 600 hours of ground testing of Engineering Development Model, or EDM, pods. At the Naval Air Stations Patuxent River and at Point Mugu, California, EDM pods underwent anechoic chamber testing – a special facility designed to absorb electromagnetic waves – to measure the jammer's radio frequency power and beam-steering capabilities.

In addition to mission systems testing, the program is expected to begin aeromechanical flight testing shortly to assess aircraft flying qualities and performance, following previously completed ground vibration, static load, and wind tunnel testing. These tests will also evaluate the effects of the air flow environment on the pod, as well as noise and vibration behavior.

To date, RI&S has delivered 10 EDM pods: six mission systems pods and four aeromechanical pods. A total of 28 pods will be delivered under the EMD contract.  

About Raytheon Intelligence & Space

Raytheon Intelligence & Space delivers the disruptive technologies our customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge. A developer of advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions, Raytheon Intelligence & Space provides a decisive advantage to civil, military and commercial customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the business generated $14 billion in pro forma annual revenue in 2019 and has 35,700 employees worldwide. Raytheon Intelligence & Space is one of four businesses that form Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With 195,000 employees and four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Media Contact
Felipe Dominguez
C: (310) 227-3826
Felipe.Dominguez@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE Raytheon Technologies

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band by Raytheon?

The Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band is designed to deny, disrupt, and degrade enemy technology, including communication and air-defense systems.

When was the first flight test of the NGJ-MB conducted?

The first flight test of the NGJ-MB was conducted on August 7, 2020.

How many Engineering Development Model pods has Raytheon delivered for the NGJ-MB program?

Raytheon has delivered 10 Engineering Development Model pods to date, including six mission systems pods and four aeromechanical pods.

What are the next steps for the NGJ-MB program after the first flight test?

The program will conduct further flight testing to evaluate weapons system control, power generation, and electromagnetic compatibility, as well as aeromechanical flight testing.

How does the NGJ-MB contribute to U.S. Navy's capabilities?

The NGJ-MB enhances the U.S. Navy's electronic warfare abilities by disrupting enemy communications and improving mission effectiveness.