Textron to provide A2PATS for F-35 electronic warfare testing

Textron has been selected to supply its Advanced Architecture Phase Amplitude and Time Simulator to support electronic warfare testing for the F-35.

Under the contract, awarded by F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, Textron will provide complex threat simulation equipment for the aircraft at the Eglin Air Force base.

The Advanced Architecture Phase Amplitude and Time Simulator, shorthanded as A2PATS, is designed to provide simulation capabilities, reduce life cycle costs, and maximum system efficiency. Textron officials say the system is ready to test within 30 minutes from a daily cold start across all frequencies and dynamic ranges.

"The F-35 is one of the world's most advanced tactical aircraft, designed to deliver powerful new capabilities to the warfighter," general manager Steve Mensh said in a press release. "Our A2PATS gives the F-35 community the confidence needed to validate mission-critical electronic warfare systems."

Upon installation, F-35 industry partners will use Textron's A2PATS technology to develop and test potential software requirements for the aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is marketed as a fifth-generation multi-purpose fighter. The aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities are to include locating and tracking enemy forces, jamming radio frequencies, and suppressing enemy radars to avoid detection.