Next Generation Jammer technology maturation efforts commence

[tigershark]

Next Generation Jammer technology maturation efforts commence
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The U.S. Navy announced Jan. 16 the awarding of four technology maturation trade studies contracts relating to the Next Generation Jammer that totaled $23.19 million.

Contracts were awarded to Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems, Bethpage, N.Y.; ITT Electronic Warfare Systems, Clifton, N.J.; BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H.; and Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif.

“This announcement represents a significant investment in the future of electronic warfare and is in response to the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s direction to accelerate and fund NGJ Technology Maturation,” said Capt. Steve Kochman, Airborne Electronic Attack and EA-6B Prowler Program Office (PMA-234) program manager. “The superb efforts leading to this announcement have helped the NGJ program begin to develop an architecture never before seen by the Fleet.”

The NGJ will replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently employed by the EA-18G. The system will provide increased capability and flexibility against today’s advancing electronic threats. Products resulting from the study contracts will help define the path for the next evolution in AEA.

“This is a significant milestone for the NGJ program, concluding a deliberate and meticulous source selection process that adhered to stringent Federal Acquisition Regulations and NAVAIR source selection processes and documentation requirements,” said Kochman.

The NGJ program recently completed the first step in the NGJ acquisition life cycle – the Material Development Decision.

“This key milestone, led by John Young, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, has enabled early technology development work for our program,” said Kochman. “The NGJ capability will increase the potency of the Department of Defense’s AEA system in combating the multitude of electronic threats we face today and in the future.”

Source
http://pao.navair.navy.mil/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&Press_release_id=4056&site_id=15