By Richard Scott
The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is seeking to integrate the Raytheon AN/ALR-69A digital radar warning receiver (DRWR) on US Marine Corps’ KC-130J tactical airlifter/aerial refueling tanker aircraft.
Revealing the plan in a July solicitation, NAVAIR said it was conducting market research to identify sources capable of performing Non-Recurring Engineering, materiel procurement, manufacturing, and systems integration for the AN/ALR-69A A-Kit on a single aircraft.
Already operational with US Air Force C-130H transport aircraft and KC-46A tankers, the AN/ALR-69A DRWR features advanced broadband digital receiver technology, enhanced spectral and spatial coverage for high-sensitivity detection in dense signal environments, and single-ship geolocation. Raytheon last year disclosed that it had completed flight testing of a Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS) implementing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning algorithms to enable real-time analysis of previously unknown radar signals.
The planned integration of AN/ALR-69A with the KC-130J addresses a requirement to upgrade the electronic warfare and threat detection capabilities of the aircraft. According to the solicitation, the scope of NAVAIR’s requirement covers the fabrication of two ALR-69A A-Kits (including structural mounts, cabling, and C–J band antennas); completing NRE to interface the ALR-69A with existing KC-130J avionics, power, and cooling architectures without degrading existing systems; developing a Level 2 data pack plus comprehensive airworthiness evidence; and completing one physical aircraft installation and provide engineering support for ground and flight testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
The AN/ALR-69A DRWR B-Kit (Line Replaceable Units) will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment.
