Project Heisenberg enters phase 3 testing of upgraded F-35 electronic warfare system

The program office for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter is ready to award BAE Systems a sole-source contract to conduct phase 3 flight trials of the aircraft’s future electronic warfare and countermeasures suite.

Known as Project Heisenberg. the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said that BAE Systems will conduct tests of a modified version of its AN/ASQ-239A suite aboard the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, a highly modified Boeing 737 test aircraft.

NAVAIR released a Sources Sought contract document on Thursday announcing the award.

“The F-35 Joint Program Office intends to award a contract in support of Project Heisenberg Phase 3 to BAE Systems under a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a period of performance of two years and five months,” the Navy said in the Sources Sought document.

The AN/ASQ-239A system is a component of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Electronic Warfare (EW)/Countermeasure Suite associated with Continuous Capability Development and Delivery/Block 4 EW capabilities and evaluation of associated Mission Data Files.

“BAE Systems will conduct analysis of flight test/demonstration data required to ensure the ASQ-239A system is performing in the operational environment as designed,” the Navy said.

BAE Systems are the sole developer and manufacturer of the AN/ASQ-239A system, the advanced EW suite for the F-35.

“Our AN/ASQ-239 system is a next-generation electronic warfare suite providing offensive and defensive options for the pilot and aircraft to counter current and emerging threats,” BAE Systems said in describing the system on their website. “Its advanced technology optimizes situational awareness while helping to identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to threats. Advanced avionics and sensors provide a real-time, 360º view of the battlespace, maximizing detection ranges and giving pilots evasion, engagement, countermeasure, and jamming options.”