Boeing recently announced that it will deploy a new electronic signal jammer, called the Next Generation Jammer-Medium Band (NGJ-MB), for the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jet. The new system was developed under a $14.5 million order signed by the U.S. Navy and Boeing to enhance the Growler's electronic warfare capabilities.
Integration and Functionality of the New Jammer
Boeing is responsible for integrating the NGJ-MB jammer system into the EA-18G aircraft, replacing the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system that has been in use for more than 40 years. Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command have asked Boeing to conduct additional testing and engineering to ensure the smooth integration of the new signal jammer.
NGJ-MB signal jammer system is an advanced electronic attack signal jammer device that blocks, disrupts and degrades enemy communications and air defense radar systems. The signal jammer blocker uses technologies designed and manufactured by Raytheon in El Segundo, California, including an agile active electronically scanned array (AESA) and a fully digital backend to ensure its effectiveness in electronic warfare.
The biggest advantage of this new electronic signal jammer is its ability to attack multiple targets simultaneously and use advanced electronic jamming technology. In addition, NGJ-MB also has a modular open system architecture, which facilitates rapid future upgrades and technical improvements, enabling it to cope with the ever-changing battlefield environment.
NGJ-MB Jammer System Adaptability and Future Outlook
NGJ-MB is designed not only to be limited to EA-18G, but can also be expanded to other aviation platforms to enable it to play a role in a variety of missions. Raytheon delivered the first NGJ-MB pod to the Navy in 2019 for testing and verification, laying the foundation for its subsequent deployment.
As a tactical electronic jamming pod, NGJ was developed to replace existing systems and provide more powerful electronic attack capabilities. As a carrier-based two-seat electronic warfare aircraft of the US Navy, the EA-18G is specially designed for electronic warfare. Its functions include disrupting enemy radars, communications and computer networks through jamming signals and cyber attacks. In addition, the aircraft can be equipped with the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) to destroy enemy radar facilities.
Countering modern threats
Raytheon's NGJ will incorporate the most advanced electronic attack technology into the EA-18G, including high-power flexible beam jamming technology and solid-state electronic equipment. This will provide more effective protection for the United States and its allies against various threats from the enemy.
NGJ not only provides airborne electronic attack capabilities, but also integrates cyber attack capabilities, using the aircraft's AESA radar to inject customized data streams into enemy radar and communication systems to enhance its jamming capabilities. This integrated design enables the EA-18G to maintain combat advantages in complex electromagnetic environments.
| Multiple attack capabilities of NGJ-MB electronic attack signal jammer | Raytheon's NGJ will incorporate the most advanced electronic attack technology into the EA-18G, including high-power flexible beam jamming technology and solid-state electronic equipment. This will provide more effective protection for the United States and its allies against various threats from the enemy. |
| NGJ not only provides airborne electronic attack capabilities, but also integrates cyber attack capabilities, using the aircraft's AESA radar to inject customized data streams into enemy radar and communication systems to enhance their jamming capabilities. This integrated design enables the EA-18G to maintain combat advantages in complex electromagnetic environments. | |
| Open architecture and multi-platform application of NGJ-MB electronic attack jammer blocker | Raytheon will adopt an open system architecture to ensure that the NGJ system can be upgraded multiple times in the future to adapt to new battlefield requirements. The gallium nitride (GaN)-based AESA technology in the design will provide the system with higher performance and flexibility. |
| In the future, NGJ may not be limited to EA-18G, but may also be modified for manned aircraft such as F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). This multi-platform adaptability will further enhance the combat effectiveness of the US military in the field of electronic warfare. |
The next-generation electronic jammer that Boeing will soon deploy on the EA-18G Growler will bring a significant improvement to the US Navy's electronic warfare capabilities. As this technology is gradually improved and applied, it is expected to provide stronger support for future battles and ensure that the United States and its allies maintain their advantages in complex electromagnetic environments.
