In the near future, aircraft and missiles penetrating enemy territory may utilize drone jammers that precede them, designed to confuse and obstruct air defense mechanisms, should a new British-manufactured jammer be successfully launched.
In comparison to conventional standoff signal jammers, which are situated on sizable aircraft to avoid danger while disrupting enemy radar from a distance, Leonardo is unveiling a novel "standoff" jammer that is sufficiently small for drone mounting and economically viable for prompt utilization.
Leonardo drone on display at the 2023 Paris Air Show
According to company officials, the BriteStorm satellite, which Leonardo is presenting at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, weighs around 2.5 kilograms. This weight includes the transmit and receive modules along with the antennas, and the satellite's dimensions are similar to those of six Coke cans.
According to Michael Lea, vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, it can serve as the leading element for any force that ventures into enemy territory.
According to Lea, the kit is crafted to be economical and meant for one-time use, suitable for installation on sizable quadcopters or winged drones that are utilized in battlefield scenarios.
If the British-manufactured jammer becomes successful, it is anticipated that aircraft and missiles penetrating enemy airspace will rely on preceding drone jammers to confuse and obstruct air defense mechanisms.
In comparison to standoff jammers that are situated on large aircraft to avoid danger while targeting enemy radars from a distance, Leonardo is presenting a novel "stand-in" jammer. This device is designed to be small enough for drone installation and is economically viable, ensuring it can be quickly deployed.
According to company officials, the BriteStorm satellite, which Leonardo showcased at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, weighs around 2.5 kilograms. This weight includes the transmit and receive modules along with the antennas, and its size is equivalent to that of six Coke cans.
According to Michael Lea, vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, it can serve as a leading element for any force that enters hostile territory.
According to Lea, the kit is crafted to be affordable and single-use, meant for integration with larger quadcopters or winged drones that are utilized in battlefield operations.
He remarked that the asset is priced to be viewed as expendable, ensuring that if it is downed, it will not lead to substantial economic detriment or critical strategic complications.
When an enemy radar signal is received, the system utilizes Leonardo’s Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology to capture the signal digitally and process it. The response involves jamming the radar with electronic noise or spoofing it, potentially creating numerous “ghost” fighter signatures.
Leonardo employs the same DRFM technology in its BriteCloud, which is an expendable countermeasure designed to be deployed from an aircraft to disrupt the radar guidance systems of incoming missiles.
BriteStorm utilizes as many as three transmit-receive modules, which span the low, mid, and high frequency ranges.
After its development at Leonardo's facility in Luton, UK, the system has been delivered to the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office.
According to Leonardo, BriteStorm represents a significant improvement compared to Raytheon’s MALD (Micro Air-Launched Decoy), an air-launched expendable jammer missile that has allegedly been deployed in Ukraine.
According to Lea, it demonstrates superior performance compared to standoff jammers. "While standoff jammers are stationed at a predictable altitude, standoff jammers approach the threat more closely, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and a greater range of axes to confuse and suppress the threat."