A new electronic jamming system for the EA-18 Growler is under development. U.S. Navy photo

MCKINNEY , Texas, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Raytheon's prototype next-generation electronic jammer system for aircraft has passed a significant early milestone, the company says.

The jammer, which is to give the Navy's EA-18 Gowler new capabilities, completed Effective Isotropic Radiated Power, or EIRP, testing at the Benefield Anechoic Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California.


"Raytheon and the Navy developed a realistic testing program designed to ensure that the NGJ electronic warfare system meets its 2021 initial operating capability commitment," said Travis Slocumb, vice president of Electronic Warfare Systems at Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business. "Completion of EIRP testing, while an early milestone, confirms our progress to date and that the program is successfully executing to both schedule and plan."

Raytheon said the testing indicated the next-generation jammer will fulfill U.S. Navy requirements for EIRP, a prime indicator of the system's range and ability for reaching and affecting multiple targets simultaneously.

The system is to replace legacy ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods now used on Growlers.