EW Enterprise Exploration and Innovation (EW E&I)
Abstract
EW E&I research efforts identify, explore and accelerate the maturing and demonstration of new EW- and EW-Cyber-related technologies. Current EW E&I initiatives research thrusts include Passive Sensor Detection and Defeat (PSDD), Platform Self-Protection (PS-P), EW Technology Enablers (EW Tech), EW-Cyber Interface (EWCI) and EW Collaboration and Cognizance (EW C&C). Passive Sensor Detection and Defeat (PSDD): Modern integrated air defense systems (IADS) employ a variety of radar sensing technologies to detect, target and engage adversary aircraft. While classic IADS radars emitted radiofrequency radiation and collected the radiation reflected off targets within their field of view with the same aperture, computational advances have enabled passive (non-emitting) radar collectors to capture the reflected (radar) radiation and provide targeting solutions to engagement assets (missiles, aircraft, directed energy, etc.). Because these passive systems emit no radiation, current EW countermeasures (jamming and other EW techniques) cannot be effectively employed against them. This leaves U.S. aircraft attacking such IADS architectures vulnerable to unforeseen attacks. PSDD research identifies, explores and accelerates the maturing and demonstration of new technologies to provide defensive capabilities against these passive sensors. The initial PSDD goal is to develop and validate the technologies that will enable the development of a single user-configurable payload to can deliver multiple EW and EW-Cyber effects against passive systems. Platform Self-Protection (PS-P): A wide variety of radiofrequency (RF) and electro-optical (EO) technologies are employed by modern militaries to enable the engagement and negation of attacking military systems. RF sensor systems including IADS radars and radars on ships, aircraft, ground and naval vessels and engagement missiles (ballistic, cruise, air-to-air, surface-to-air, etc.) are used to detect and provide targeting and engagement solutions to counter adversaries’ military capabilities. EO systems are incorporated into missile seekers and also associated with high energy laser engagement systems being fielded by near peer adversaries. To ensure successful U.S. military actions, technologies that protect U.S. platforms and facilities against these new generations of much more capable RF and EO detection/targeting/engagement sensors and seekers are essential. This thrust identifies, explores, and accelerates the maturing and demonstration of new technologies to counter adversaries’ advanced RF and EO sensor and seeker threats. To begin identifying the most significant developmental opportunities, JEAT issued a Response for Information (RFI) call in FY 2020. Electromagnetic Warfare Technology Enablers (EW Tech): Significant advances in materials, electronics (including photonics, plasmonics, spintronics, magnetronics, etc.), RF and communications sciences, optical and laser sciences, and information and computational sciences are enabling new generations of extremely powerful applications in a wide variety of fields. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies are beginning to impact electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) operations. The advantages that AI/ML approaches can provide are considerable, but multiple runs addressing the same scenarios often provide disparate results for both the same assets in the same scenarios and for different assets in different locations within the scenarios. Ascertaining the optimal employment tactics and strategies thus becomes difficult for offensive and defensive operations in both proactive and reactive EW modes. EW Tech research seeks to leverage these advances to enable commensurate advances in the EW and EW-Cyber warfighting realms. EW-Cyber Interface (EWCI): EWCI is a sub-project within EW E&I focusing specifically on EW-Cyber-related technologies). Leveraging technologies from other EW- and Cyber-related technology development efforts within the JEAT Program and across the (DOD), EWCI efforts develop and advance the technological bases for “over-the-air” algorithmic warfare utilizing existing and new generations of EW-Cyber technologies and systems. EW Collaboration and Cognizance (EW C&C): EW C&C research efforts focus on maintaining an awareness of global research and development (R&D) efforts impacting EMS, EW and EW-Cyber warfighting technologies; guiding, facilitating, ensuring collaboration and providing the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) oversight of technology development efforts across the DOD EW and EW-Cyber developmental communities; and providing key insights to senior leaders and decision-makers so they can more effectively direct all Department EW and EW-Cyber technology development programs and processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 94c4c42cfd6f8bc749f81f517d7bf3e0