Lockheed's "Flying Deflector": Successful Tests Of The AOEW Promise Enhanced Naval Defense

In a crucial step towards bolstering naval defenses, Lockheed Martin recently conducted successful government tests of its Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) system. Mounted on a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, the AOEW showcased its electronic attack capabilities during live testing, marking a significant milestone in its development.

The AOEW isn't your typical onboard radar or jammer. Think of it as a flying deflector shield, deployed like a pod on helicopters or other airborne platforms. Its purpose is to act as a decoy and disrupt incoming anti-ship missiles, confusing their guidance systems and rendering them ineffective before they reach their target.

This recent test, conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, was the first time the AOEW system engaged in live testing while being controlled by the helicopter platform. It successfully demonstrated its ability to:

• Disrupt and deter incoming threats with sophisticated electronic warfare countermeasures.
• Quantify system performance in real-world conditions, gathering valuable data for further development.
• Seamlessly integrate with the MH-60R platform, showcasing operational feasibility.

"This successful test signifies a major leap forward for the AOEW program," declared James Mochel, vice president and program manager for AOEW at Lockheed Martin. "It proves the system's effectiveness in protecting our naval assets from modern anti-ship missile threats."

The AOEW offers several advantages over traditional ship-based electronic warfare systems:

• Extended range: Deployed from helicopters or drones, the AOEW can engage threats further away from the ship, providing an extra layer of defense.
• Enhanced mobility: Its airborne nature allows the AOEW to quickly reposition and adapt to changing threats.
• Reduced vulnerability: By keeping the electronic warfare equipment off the ship itself, the AOEW minimizes the risk of damage to the vessel.

The successful testing of the AOEW has generated excitement within the U.S. Navy. Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, Program Executive Officer for Electronic Warfare & Cyber, stated, "The AOEW has the potential to revolutionize naval electronic warfare, providing greater protection and flexibility for our fleet."

While still under development, the AOEW is expected to enter full-rate production in the coming years. Its successful testing paves the way for enhanced naval defenses against ever-evolving anti-ship missile threats, ensuring the safety and security of naval vessels and personnel.

Key Points:

• Lockheed Martin's AOEW system successfully demonstrated its electronic attack capabilities during live testing.
• The AOEW acts as a flying decoy, disrupting anti-ship missiles before they reach their target.
• This breakthrough offers enhanced naval defense and flexibility against modern threats.
• The AOEW is expected to enter full-rate production in the near future.