F-15 Modernization

Abstract

These development efforts include F-15 Radar Enhancements Electronic Protection (EP) capabilities, Operational Flight Program (OFP) upgrades, Flight Testing, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Technical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS), Data Transfer Module II (DTM II) and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN). Funds may be used to resolve emerging safety of flight and diminishing manufacturing sources issues, accommodate technology insertion and fulfill FAA or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. The Radar Enhancements (EP) will upgrade the digital Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar capabilities to counter sophisticated electronic threats and future capability enhancements. Prior OFP's introduced EP into the C/D-model fleet. Initial EP capability for APG-82(V)1 equipped E model aircraft took place in Suite 8E. Suite 9 and beyond will add additional EP capability to the F-15. For the F-15 to maintain operational effectiveness, the program must continuously provide the platforms with improved capabilities. To accomplish this there is an on-going need to develop software and hardware upgrades and to flight test new capabilities and systems. The OFP funding line transitioned the Air Force to an annual software release to counter the speed of technology and maintain a competitive advantage. Additionally, the OFP provides the path for integration for other activities into operations. At any one time, there will normally be three OFP upgrades in work: one in requirements definition/pricing, one in code writing and test, and one in flight test and release preparation. The Flight Test funding line allows the Air Force to fund the on-going test effort. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system will provide air to air detection, tracking and ranging capability for F-15 in a radar-contested environment. Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) will provide Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capable Air Force F-15 aircraft the ability to communicate on the MUOS constellation in support of a NORTHCOM Airspace Control Alert (ACA) requirement. SATURN will replace the Have Quick II and comply with the NSA lease key mandated dates. The F-15 Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) integrates and installs a new Link 16 system on the F-15s that complies with an NSA mandate on cryptographic modernization and an FAA mandate on frequency remapping. The FAA mandate requires all fielded Link-16 terminals incorporate the frequency re-mapping capability by 2025. MIDS-JTRS development will complete with FY22 funding. The Data Transfer Module II (DTM II) is an upgraded replacement to the current, low-memory data transfer system. This system improves and supports mission planning capability and weapons employment, increases storage, replaces aging mapping system, updates interfaces, provides data encryption, and delivers cyber security. ALQ-128a will replace the legacy ALQ-128 design and includes development and integration of a re-designed ALQ-128a Electronic Warfare Warning Set (EWWS). GPS M-Code / Resilient-Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (R-EGI) will provide enhanced Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resistance to existing and emerging threats to GPS such as jamming and spoofing. The FY2024 funding request was reduced by $2.538 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 676020_0207134F_7_3600_PB_2024

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Directed Energy
• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
• Space