Fighter Jet News

F-16 Fighting Falcon News

Production of ASPIS II electronic warfare suite started

October 27, 2003 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Raytheon has received an initial payment of $64.6 million from the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense to begin production of the "Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite" of electronic warfare equipment for the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) block 52+ F-16 aircraft fleet.

The first Greek F-16D block 52+ (#601) was temporarily based at Edwards AFB for pre-delivery testflights [LMTAS photo]

The program, dubbed "ASPIS II," is a new, enhanced version of the original ASPIS system delivered in the late 1990s for the HAF Block 30/50 F-16s. The full contract award of $242 million was announced in April.

The ASPIS II contract calls for a total of 60 complete integrated electronic warfare suites, consisting of the ALR-93(V) threat warning system, ALQ-187 jammer, and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispenser. Each of the new suites incorporates advanced signal processing including a digital radio frequency (RF) memory capability. In addition to the 60 new F-16 block 52+ ASPIS II suites, the contract calls for another 29 ALQ-187 jammers to equip existing HAF Block 30/50 F-16 aircraft, as well as an upgrade program to enhance current ASPIS jammers with digital RF memory capability. Upon completion of the contract, including capabilities provided as offset benefits, the entire fleet of HAF F-16 aircraft will be equipped with ASPIS II capabilities.

From 1997 to 1999, 80 ASPIS systems were delivered to the HAF. Raytheon's relationship with the HAF extends over several decades and includes the legacy self-protection systems on the A-7 and F-4 aircraft as well as the earlier F- 16s.

Raytheon is supported by several domestic and international partners on the program. The ALR-93(V) radar warning receiver (RWR) is provided by Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division. BAE Systems provides the ALE-47 chaff/flare dispenser.

Five in-country subcontractors will also be performing a significant role on the program: INTRACOM, Athens, Greece, will build co-produce transmitters used in the jammer system as well as processor cards for the RWR; Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), Tanagra, Greece, is providing RWR processor integration and test, cockpit equipment, and ASPIS II system installation and checkout on F-16 Block 52+ aircraft; SONAK, Athens, Greece, provides flight line test equipment and in-country retrofit of digital RF memories; Miltech, Athens, Greece, will manufacture countermeasure dispensers; and Interoperability Systems International (ISI), Athens, Greece, will provide cabling for the ASPIS II in-country test facility.