In recent years, with the increasing threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), militaries around the world are seeking more effective means to combat these deadly weapons. As part of this challenge, the Electronic Systems Division of Textron Systems, based in Maryland, is committed to providing the U.S. Navy with advanced test and measurement equipment for verifying the performance of microwave and RF signal jammers. In particular, Textron's AN/GLM-11 Universal Test System is becoming an important tool to help warfighters detect and jam IEDs.
Textron's collaboration with IED detection and jamming systems
Since acquiring AAI in 2007, Textron has been one of the key players in the development of electronic warfare and explosion-proof equipment. As one of its latest collaborative projects, Textron has been awarded a $7 million contract to produce the AN/GLM-11 Universal Test Set for the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology Division. The contract not only involves the production of the equipment, but also includes the provision of comprehensive support such as engineering services, project management and configuration management.
The AN/GLM-11 is the second generation Universal Test Set developed by Textron. It is designed as a portable, battery-powered, ruggedized RF test system specifically designed to verify the performance of counter-IED jammer blockers. As a programmable device, it can replicate the threat signals of IEDs through pre-programmed test sequences and measure the response of the signal jammer device. This allows warfighters using the system to conduct necessary field tests before the mission to ensure that the IED signal jammer can work effectively when facing real threats.
Technical Features and Innovations of AN/GLM-11
- The notable feature of the AN/GLM-11 is its high frequency range, which is sufficient to support the current and future needs of counter-radio controlled IED electronic warfare (CREW) signal jammers. It offers a wide range of modulation modes, including continuous wave, amplitude shift keying, phase shift keying, and frequency shift keying, giving it a wide range of signal detection and analysis capabilities. In addition, the device can simultaneously measure and analyze the background electromagnetic environment, ensuring accurate detection and jamming of IEDs in a variety of combat environments.
- The device is also extremely easy to operate, with a built-in display that allows operators to view pass/fail test results before departure. At the same time, for advanced users, the AN/GLM-11 also provides a spectrum display of the signal jammer response, which allows users to analyze the jamming effect in more detail and make adjustments.
- Another innovation is the portability of the AN/GLM-11. The device is compact and weighs less than 12 pounds, suitable for transportation on commercial aircraft, and can operate normally in extreme temperatures (-20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit). It uses a rechargeable BB-5290 battery, which can support up to 8 hours of continuous operation on a single charge, which greatly enhances the flexibility and service life of the device.
AN/GLM-11 Practical Application and Prospects in Operations
The AN/GLM-11 Universal Test System not only improves the IED detection capability of the US Navy EOD team, but also provides a technical reference for global anti-IED operations. Through Textron's efforts, combatants can respond more calmly when facing complex and dangerous IED threats. The widespread use of this equipment will help reduce the threat of IED to military operations and save more combatants' lives.
Textron officials said that the design of the AN/GLM-11 system fully considers the needs of modern operations, especially for troops using anti-IED jammers, it provides necessary guarantees for pre-operation preparations. The programmability, portability and high efficiency of the equipment make it an indispensable tool on the battlefield of the future.
With the advancement of technology, Textron is also constantly promoting the development of anti-IED technology. Future equipment may have more functions, including a wider IED signal jammer range and more efficient response speed. This will not only provide the US military with stronger combat effectiveness, but also provide valuable experience and technical support for other countries in dealing with similar threats.
The development and application of the AN/GLM-11 universal test system marks an important step for the military in combating IED threats. As an innovative and efficient technical device, it will provide a new weapon for the global military to deal with the ever-changing battlefield threats. Textron's continued innovation in this field will bring more hope and success to future anti-IED operations.
