The Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) developed by BAE Systems has been successfully tested by the US Air Force.
The Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) confirmed the significant capabilities of the advanced system that enhances the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II aircraft.
“EPAWSS was designed for upgradeability and rapid capability insertion,” said Amy Nesbitt, EPAWSS program manager at BAE Systems. “We’re using agile software development to provide iterative upgrades to fielded EW systems—allowing our customers to defeat future electromagnetic threats.”
EPAWSS provides instantaneous full-spectrum EW capabilities—including radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection. The system enables freedom of manoeuvre and deeper penetration into battlespaces protected by modern integrated air defence systems.
“EPAWSS is a leap in technology, improving the lethality and combat capabilities of the F-15E and F-15EX in contested, degraded environments against advanced threats,” said Maj Bryant “Jager” Baum, EPAWSS Test Director for the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center (AFOTEC). “EPAWSS has set the baseline for EW within the fighter community.”
BAE Systems provided support to AFOTEC for the execution of the IOT&E of the EPAWSS system. Currently, the company is working on producing and fielding one of the most advanced EW systems in the world, which will enhance the F-15’s ability to perform combat missions.
BAE Systems is collaborating with Boeing and the U.S. Air Force to improve the discriminating EW capabilities of the system, including the use of cognitive EW, as demonstrated during the Northern Edge 2023 large force exercise test event.
The NE23 test event evaluated the EPAWSS system’s ability to respond rapidly to previously unencountered electromagnetic threats. The system was tested on its capability to process in-mission sensor data, create effective techniques, and optimize waveforms in real time.
Additionally, the NE23 environment challenged the system to carry out these tasks successfully in a dense and unpredictable electromagnetic spectrum at a theater-exercise level.
“Our close collaboration with the U.S. Air Force allows us to mature EPAWSS cognitive processing capabilities,” said Chip Mosle, program director at BAE Systems. “By incrementally testing and fielding cognitive EW solutions to proven systems such as EPAWSS, we are enabling tactical spectrum overmatch against advanced threats that are unpredictable, evolving, and adaptable.”
