Exelis to provide special-purpose radio frequency (RF) technology for fighter aircraft

Exelis recently received a follow-on contract valued at $8.4 million from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas, to supply Continuous Wave Illuminator (CWI) subsystems for F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

The Exelis CWI subsystem is a special-purpose transmitter that works with the F-16's fire control radar and mission computer to provide guidance for semi-active missiles. Using radio frequency energy, the system illuminates airborne targets to increase accuracy and ensure the missile finds its intended target.

“Our CWI subsystem provides a real edge, using the power of the electromagnetic spectrum to enable the success and safety of our aviators,” said Joe Rambala, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. “Utilizing its smaller size and lighter weight, the technology performs critical targeting tasks, allowing aviators to devote their attention to the larger mission.”

The Exelis CWI subsystem uses the latest technology for its high-voltage power supply, digital control, microwave signal generation and power amplifier circuits; it is substantially smaller and lighter than similar legacy subsystems used on older F-16s and other fighter aircraft.

Exelis in Clifton, New Jersey, will perform the manufacturing work under this contract, with deliveries to be completed in 2017. The initial contract award, for $9.4 million, was received in September 2012.

The CWI system is one of several Exelis protection suites developed to enable domestic and international customers to perform their critical missions. Leveraging its decades of innovation and experience in the electromagnetic spectrum, Exelis has identified electronic warfare as one of the company's four strategic growth platforms.