BAE SYSTEMS IDECM System Begins Operational Evaluation.

Business Editors

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 2002

BAE SYSTEMS and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed Development Testing (DT) and have entered Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) for the onboard portion of the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure System (IDECM) Radio Frequency Countermeasures (RFCM) system.

Upon successful completion of Operational Evaluation, the system will enter full rate production and will be deployed on Navy F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft.

The AN/ALQ-214 (V), developed by partner ITT Industries, is an integral component of the joint U.S. Navy - U.S. Air Force IDECM RFCM system, developed by BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS). The ALQ-214 provides onboard electronic defensive capabilities for U.S. military aircraft.

"This is a significant accomplishment for the IDECM program," said Capt. Robert Boyd, U.S. Navy (PMA-272) program manager. "The ALQ-214's completing DT and starting OPEVAL is an important step in providing our Super Hornet crews with the highly effective self-protection system they need."

The next phase of the IDECM program incorporates the onboard defensive system with the AN/ALE-55 fiber optic towed decoy (FOTD) - a high-powered off-board transmitter.

John Lydiard, BAE SYSTEMS vice president of Countermeasures at IEWS, said IDECM is the first 'truly integrated' electronic warfare suite developed for the U.S. military that links the aircraft's radar warning system, mission computer, RFCM system, and fiber optic towed decoy into a unified defensive system. "I am very pleased with this recent success. IDECM protects flight crews against not only the threats they face today, but also against the threats they will face tomorrow," he said.

IDECM incorporates onboard high-sensitivity receivers, designed by ITT Industries' Avionics Division, Clifton, N.J., and off-board countermeasures, which include the high-powered FOTD and deployment canister developed by BAE SYSTEMS. IDECM provides a highly effective electronic warfare defense for U.S. military aircraft against current and future RF missile threats.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

Note to editors:

BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.

BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 29 States and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.

BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs more than 4,800 people at eight major facilities in six states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces.

Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.

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