Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
It's Only Common Sense: The Evolution of Prospecting
Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company'
BAE Systems Manufacturing Advanced Block 4 F-35 Electronic Warfare Systems to Defeat Evolving Threats
April 5, 2023 | BAE SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
BAE Systems has received $491 million in contracts from Lockheed Martin to produce state-of-the-art Block 4 electronic warfare (EW) systems for future Lot 17 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, adding to the 1,200 F-35 EW systems it has delivered to date. The powerful Block 4 systems will accelerate the delivery of advanced EW capabilities to warfighters by combining adaptable hardware and incremental software updates.
“The Block 4 EW system will offer greater situational awareness, enhanced survivability and increased capabilities to counter modern threats, and is upgradable to address evolving threats,” said Lisa Aucoin, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our adaptable EW system will help warfighters execute missions today and into the future, and will reduce engineering and sustainment costs for the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies.”
The Block 4 EW systems will include significantly upgraded hardware and software that improves sensing and signal-processing capabilities. New, high-performance sensors will boost the system’s ability to detect difficult-to-observe threats and more threats simultaneously.
“Our modern facilities allow us to manufacture complex, intricate electronics at scale to deliver an affordable EW capability,” said Chris Rossi, director of F-35 production at BAE Systems. “The flexibility of our active production line will allow us to seamlessly transition to the Block 4 design without skipping a beat.”
The AN/ASQ-239 provides F-35s with fully integrated offensive and defense EW capabilities, including long-range threat warning, self-protection, and targeting support. It provides 360-degree, full-spectrum situational awareness and rapid-response capabilities—allowing the F-35 to evade, engage, counter, and jam threats, and reach well-defended targets.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
09/09/2025 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationLarge, irregular, or mechanically unique parts, often referred to as odd-form components, have never truly disappeared from electronics manufacturing. While many in the industry have been pursuing miniaturization, faster placement speeds, and higher-density PCBs, certain market sectors are moving in the opposite direction.
Machvision Leads Shift to Automated Inline Final Inspection, AOI in North America
09/10/2025 | Ralph Jacobo, all4-PCBSchweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) chose Machvision inspection equipment due to its capabilities and versatility. Machvision of Taiwan offers circuit inspection, hole inspection and measurement, IC Substrate and HDI inspection, and final visual inspection solutions. The best fit for SEL was the 4.0Pro Circuit Inspection for inner and outer layers, and the AFI6 for final visual inspection of finished panels.
Closing the Loop on PCB Etching Waste
09/09/2025 | Shawn Stone, IECAs the PCB industry continues its push toward greener, more cost-efficient operations, Sigma Engineering’s Mecer System offers a comprehensive solution to two of the industry’s most persistent pain points: etchant consumption and rinse water waste. Designed as a modular, fully automated platform, the Mecer System regenerates spent copper etchants—both alkaline and acidic—and simultaneously recycles rinse water, transforming a traditionally linear chemical process into a closed-loop system.
U.S. Army Begins Fielding BAE Systems’ Mission-critical Software-defined Radios Across Rotary-wing Aviation Fleet
09/08/2025 | BAE SystemsBAE Systems’ AN/ARC-231A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS) has completed initial installation and is operationally ready for use today on select U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft.
AV Delivers First Two Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser Systems to U.S. Army
09/04/2025 | BUSINESS WIREAeroVironment, Inc. (AV) announced the successful delivery of the first two mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) prototype Laser Weapon System (LWS) to the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as part of the first increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort.