25 Feb 10. SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company and a world leading defence electronics manufacturer, and RFMD, Inc. announced the extension of their collaboration to develop high frequency GaAs MMIC solutions focused on SELEX Galileo’s next generation of electronically-scanned (E-SCAN) phased array radar systems. SELEX Galileo and RFMD have collaborated in GaAs MMICs since signing a strategic cooperation agreement in May 2008. In a related announcement, RFMD is announcing today it has commenced production shipments to SELEX Galileo of GaAs MMIC chipsets for insertion into SELEX Galileo’s surveillance and fire control radar systems. RFMD manufactures its high frequency GaAs MMIC process for SELEX Galileo on six-inch substrates at RFMD’s UK-based high-volume GaAs wafer fab in Durham, UK. (Source: Google)
22 Feb 10. BAE Systems and Cobham have formed a strategic alliance on a proposal for the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer system, designated to replace the ALQ-99 tactical jammer currently installed on the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Next Generation Jammer program seeks to develop new ways to jam enemy radars, using the EA-18G as the target platform. The joint offering will combine the companies’ expertise in electronic warfare, electronic attack, suppression of enemy air defenses and irregular warfare support to ground forces. “Our alliance on the Next Generation Jammer is driven by our shared commitment to provide a flexible solution that fully meets the Navy’s operational needs,” said Steve Morais, director of attack solutions for BAE Systems. “We bring a disciplined systems engineering and risk-management approach, derived from our combined experience with electronic warfare and electronic attack systems in use today on fifth-generation fighters.” The BAE Systems-Cobham solution will offer increased reliability, availability, and supportability, ultimately reducing the total cost of ownership to the Navy. “Cobham has a deep understanding of the Navy’s mission needs and support requirements based on years of experience with the ALQ-99 jammer,” said Andy Humen, Cobham’s vice president of sensor systems. “Together with BAE Systems, we have an approach that will magnify the Navy’s mission capabilities while reducing risk and providing the lowest acquisition and life-cycle costs.”