WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force selected Boeing as the prime contractor on a new, all-digital electronic warfare suite for its fleet of F-15 fighters. BAE Systems will develop the new system.
The Air Force's Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) will counter threats and better protect F-15 air crews, according to an Oct. 1 Boeing statement. The system will be installed on more than 400 F-15Es and F-15Cs, replacing the legacy Tactical Electronic Warfare System, which has been in use since the 1980s.
The EPAWSS program is valued at $4 billion, according to the statement.
"Warfighters of today and tomorrow need the latest in jamming, targeting, infrared threat detection and enhanced decoy capabilities," said Mike Gibbons, vice president, Global Strike Boeing F-15 programs, according to the statement. "EPAWSS will ensure the F-15 is relevant and dominant through 2040 and beyond."
Boeing has chosen BAE Systems as the subcontractor to develop EPAWSS, which provides advanced EW capabilities and a "significant growth path" for the F-15, according to an Oct. 1 BAE Systems statement. The system will improve aircraft protection by adding advanced electronic countermeasures, radar warning and increased chaff and flare capability.
"By upgrading to an enhanced all-digital system, the Air Force, in conjunction with the platform prime, Boeing, will provide next-generation electronic warfare capability to F-15C and F-15E aircraft to help keep the platform capable and mission-ready against current and future threats, " said Brian Walters, vice president and general manager of Electronic Combat Solutions at BAE Systems, according to the BAE statement.
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