Contributor - UK

David Donald

Germany’s prime sensor solutions provider Hensoldt has joined forces with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel to develop an electronic warfare (EW) pod for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The agreement was signed in Tel Aviv on October 18 by Hensoldt CEO Thomas Müller and Rafael’s president and CEO Yoav Har-Even.

 


The joint endeavor will enhance Rafael’s Sky Shield airborne EW pod with Hensoldt’s Kalaetron Attack technology, which combines active electronically-scanned array technology with full digitization and artificial intelligence to create a jamming and electronic attack system that can be used for self-defense or for escort and stand-off jamming. By using 3D metallic printing the Kalaetron Attack package can be made small enough to be accommodated in standard airborne pods. The technology has been undergoing extensive ground trials.

 


Rafael developed the Sky Shield as an escort jammer system covering frequencies&nbsp;from 1 to 18GHz. It employs a digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technique generator. The pod uses the same interface as Rafael’s Litening targeting pod, reducing integration time and costs for aircraft that are already cleared to carry Litening, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.

 


Hensoldt and Rafael are aiming the new pod squarely at the German requirement for an electronic attack version of the Typhoon, which was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-03-15/germany-buy-f-35-fighters-nuclear-sharing-role">announced in March</a> along with the intention to procure the Lockheed Martin F-35A to replace Tornado IDS aircraft in the nuclear-sharing role. Earlier, Berlin had announced a preference for the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet for the IDS replacement requirement, with EA-18G Growlers slated for the EW role.

 


The Elektronischer Kampf (EK, electronic combat) version of the Typhoon—<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-11-08/airbus-airs-proposals-german-eurofighter-typhoon-development">first proposed by Airbus Germany in 2019</a> based on an aircraft carrying podded jammers—is intended to achieve initial operating capability in 2028 as a replacement for the Luftwaffe’s Tornado ECRs that currently operate in the defense suppression role, albeit without an escort jamming capability. The new pod is being promoted as a mature, off-the-shelf solution. Saab has also put forward a version of its Electronic Attack Jamming Pod from its Arexis EW family for the Luftwaffe requirement.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hensoldt and Rafael Team for Luftwaffe Electronic Warfare Pod

The podded system is aimed at the Luftwaffe’s requirement to outfit Eurofighter Typhoons for the electronic attack role.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Bye Aerospace’s prototype is ready for flight testing

FAA Grants Special Airworthiness Certificate for eFlyer

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

IAM expressed strong opposition to a ban on the sale of Bombardier products

Trump’s Call for Bombardier Ban Draws Opposition

Charlotte Bailey

International ACE event to feature as part of expanding aviation trade show

Aero Show To Host Inaugural ‘Air Charter Regional’

Amy Wilder

Inventory fell by nearly a third year over year as resale transactions hit Q2 record

Asking Prices Disappear from ULR Bizjets, Says Jet Match

Trump calls for a ban on Bombardier products

Amid Trade War, Trump Takes Aim at Bombardier Once More

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

In this article

Rafael Armament Development

More In Aircraft

FAA Grants Special Airworthiness Certificate for eFlyer

Bye Aerospace’s prototype is ready for flight testing

Trump’s Call for Bombardier Ban Draws Opposition

IAM expressed strong opposition to a ban on the sale of Bombardier products

Aero Show To Host Inaugural ‘Air Charter Regional’

International ACE event to feature as part of expanding aviation trade show

Asking Prices Disappear from ULR Bizjets, Says Jet Match

Inventory fell by nearly a third year over year as resale transactions hit Q2 record

Amid Trade War, Trump Takes Aim at Bombardier Once More

Trump calls for a ban on Bombardier products

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN