The advancement of electronic warfare capabilities in modern military aircraft has taken a significant leap forward with the integration of active expendable decoy (AED) systems on the U.S. F-35 stealth fighters. This development, highlighted by the recent decision to operationalize the British-made Leonardo BriteCloud, marks a notable enhancement in the F-35’s defensive suite. The BriteCloud is a compact active-radar decoy, roughly the size of a soda can, equipped with a jammer designed to spoof hostile surface-to-air and air-to-air missile systems. It is deployed from standard chaff and flare dispensers, adding a sophisticated layer of protection against various air defense threats.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced plans to negotiate and award a fixed-price contract to Leonardo, which will cover the production of an estimated 1,000-2,000 AEDs per year. This contract will include not only the decoys but also impulse cartridges, related support equipment and repairs, and field service support for the F-35. The contract aims to meet requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 through FY2027, ensuring a continuous supply of these advanced decoys for operational deployment.
Contract Details and Production Capabilities
Leonardo’s U.K. division has been identified as the sole source capable of fulfilling this contract due to its manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity, and platform qualifications. The earlier announcement, dated July 6, detailed the capabilities required of the AED, aligning closely with the BriteCloud system. These capabilities include:
- The ability to produce self-contained radio-frequency countermeasures (RFCM) decoys.
- A form factor of 2-inch x 1-inch x 8-inch.
- Programmability by the government.
- Demonstrated performance at Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL-9) and Manufacturing Readiness Level 9 (MRL-9).
- Qualification for immediate production and use on the F-35.
The BriteCloud 218, designated as AN/ALQ-260(V)1 in the U.S., meets these specifications and has been tested on other U.S. platforms, such as the F-16 fighter, leading to a fielding recommendation from the U.S. Air National Guard in 2022. The anticipated delivery quantities are approximately 1,000 AEDs per year for the first two years, increasing to 2,000 per year through FY2029, with production expected to start as early as four months and no later than ten months after the contract award in November 2024. Initial production is planned at 120 decoys per month.
Deployment and Operational Integration
The specific F-35 variants to be equipped with the new AEDs have not been disclosed. However, given that the U.S. Navy leads the F-35 Joint Program Office, the decoys could be integrated into the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A, the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B, and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ F-35C. Export customers’ F-35s might also be included. While it is confirmed that F-35 aircraft have tested and integrated AED capability, details on the testing timeline and aircraft variants involved remain unspecified.
BriteCloud’s Capabilities and History
Leonardo’s BriteCloud is a testament to the company’s leadership in developing expendable, active, electronic warfare-enabled countermeasures. Initially designed for crewed aircraft, BriteCloud is also being explored for use with drones and the SPEAR-EW, a non-kinetic version of the SPEAR 3 miniature cruise missile. In the F-35 application, BriteCloud will be launched from standard countermeasure dispensers, each containing a digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammer. This jammer detects incoming radar pulses from hostile platforms and mimics those signals to create false targets, thereby confusing enemy radars and luring missiles away from friendly aircraft.
BriteCloud first entered service with the Royal Air Force in 2018 on the Tornado GR4 and later on Eurofighter Typhoons. Its potential integration into F-35B Lightnings has also been suggested. The system represents a significant enhancement in electronic warfare capabilities, providing an additional layer of defense against sophisticated radar-guided threats.
Enhancing the F-35’s Defensive Suite
The integration of BriteCloud into the F-35’s defensive suite complements existing countermeasures, such as chaff, flares, and towed decoys like the ALE-70. The ALE-70, an advanced electronic warfare-enabled towed decoy, offers significant protection against radar-guided threats and is concealed beneath the F-35’s stealthy exterior when not in use. The combination of ALE-70 and BriteCloud is particularly relevant for protecting the aircraft from rear-aspect threats, where the F-35’s stealth features are less effective compared to its frontal profile.
The F-35’s low-observable features are optimized to evade fire control radars operating in common bands, such as the X-band, but are less effective against radars operating in disparate bands. Systems like BriteCloud, along with the F-35’s AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, enhance the aircraft’s ability to counter these diverse threats.
Future Upgrades and Challenges
The Block 4 upgrade for the F-35 promises to further enhance its electronic warfare capabilities, with significant improvements planned for the AN/ASQ-239 system. However, delays in the TR-3 hardware and software enhancements required for Block 4 have postponed its implementation, with some elements potentially delayed until the 2030s. Despite these challenges, the Block 4 upgrade is expected to make the F-35 even more formidable in electronic warfare once fully operational.
Comprehensive Analysis and Technical Data of Leonardo’s BriteCloud Decoy
Leonardo’s BriteCloud active expendable decoy (AED) represents a significant advancement in electronic warfare capabilities for modern military aircraft, including the U.S. F-35 stealth fighters. This sophisticated decoy, integrating Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology, enhances aircraft survivability against radar-guided threats by creating false targets. Below is an in-depth technical analysis, updated with the latest data and specifications.
Technical Specifications
Variants:
- BriteCloud 55:
- Dimensions: 55 mm diameter
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Designed for: Larger aircraft, compatible with standard 55 mm flare dispensers
- Power Source: Battery-operated
- BriteCloud 218:
- Dimensions: 2-inch x 1-inch x 8-inch
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Designed for: Fast jets such as F-16, F-15, compatible with AN/ALE-47 dispensers
- Power Source: Battery-operated
- BriteCloud 55-T:
- Dimensions: Same as BriteCloud 55
- Designed for: Larger transport aircraft like C-130 Hercules, A400M
- Enhanced Features: Higher power output to create larger false targets
Core Features:
- Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) Technology: BriteCloud uses DRFM technology to create convincing ‘ghost’ signals that mimic the aircraft’s radar signature, effectively drawing enemy missiles away from the actual target.
- Smart Stores Communication Interface (SSCI): This feature allows BriteCloud to communicate with the aircraft’s onboard self-protection system, optimizing performance by adjusting to real-time threat environments.
- Battery-Operated: The self-contained nature of BriteCloud means it requires minimal platform integration and can be easily deployed from standard dispensers.
- NATO Standard Compliance: The latest upgrades meet NATO self-protection standards STANAG-4871, ensuring compatibility with modern defense systems and operational requirements.
- Deployment: Launched from conventional decoy dispensers with minimal platform integration required.
- Operational Use: Proven effective in various trials with multiple aircraft platforms globally.
Development and Testing Timeline
2014-2016:
- Initial trials with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on Tornado GR4.
- Further trials in the USA in 2015 using the Tornado GR4.
2015:
- Saab Gripen’s successful deployment of BriteCloud 55 during trials in Sweden.
2016:
- Testing of BriteCloud 218 by the Royal Danish Air Force on F-16 aircraft.
- RAF’s purchase of BriteCloud 55 for extended evaluation and development of operational procedures.
2017:
- Launch of BriteCloud 218 at the Electronic Warfare Europe event.
2020-2021:
- Integration with General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper UAV for enhanced self-protection.
- German Armed Forces’ successful live release trials of BriteCloud 218 from RPAS.
Production and Contract Details
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced plans to negotiate and award a fixed-price contract to Leonardo, which will cover the production of an estimated 1,000-2,000 AEDs per year. This contract will include not only the decoys but also impulse cartridges, related support equipment and repairs, and field service support for the F-35. The contract aims to meet requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 through FY2027, ensuring a continuous supply of these advanced decoys for operational deployment.
Leonardo’s U.K. division has been identified as the sole source capable of fulfilling this contract due to its manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity, and platform qualifications. The earlier announcement, dated July 6, detailed the capabilities required of the AED, aligning closely with the BriteCloud system.
Operational Integration and Testing
The specific F-35 variants to be equipped with the new AEDs have not been disclosed. However, given that the U.S. Navy leads the F-35 Joint Program Office, the decoys could be integrated into the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A, the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B, and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ F-35C. Export customers’ F-35s might also be included. While it is confirmed that F-35 aircraft have tested and integrated AED capability, details on the testing timeline and aircraft variants involved remain unspecified.
Deployment and Testing Timeline:
- Initial Production: Set to commence within four to ten months after the contract award in November 2024.
- Monthly Production: Planned at 120 decoys per month initially.
- Delivery Schedule: Approximately 1,000 AEDs per year for the first two years, increasing to 2,000 per year through FY2029.
Enhancing the F-35’s Defensive Suite
The integration of BriteCloud into the F-35’s defensive suite complements existing countermeasures, such as chaff, flares, and towed decoys like the ALE-70. The ALE-70, an advanced electronic warfare-enabled towed decoy, offers significant protection against radar-guided threats and is concealed beneath the F-35’s stealthy exterior when not in use. The combination of ALE-70 and BriteCloud is particularly relevant for protecting the aircraft from rear-aspect threats, where the F-35’s stealth features are less effective compared to its frontal profile.
The F-35’s low-observable features are optimized to evade fire control radars operating in common bands, such as the X-band, but are less effective against radars operating in disparate bands. Systems like BriteCloud, along with the F-35’s AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, enhance the aircraft’s ability to counter these diverse threats.
Future Upgrades and Challenges
The Block 4 upgrade for the F-35 promises to further enhance its electronic warfare capabilities, with significant improvements planned for the AN/ASQ-239 system. However, delays in the TR-3 hardware and software enhancements required for Block 4 have postponed its implementation, with some elements potentially delayed until the 2030s. Despite these challenges, the Block 4 upgrade is expected to make the F-35 even more formidable in electronic warfare once fully operational.
Capabilities:
- Threat Detection and Mitigation: Detects and responds to radar-guided threats by creating false targets.
- Flexibility: Compatible with multiple aircraft types and standard dispenser formats.
Detailed Scheme Table
| Feature | BriteCloud 55 | BriteCloud 218 | BriteCloud 55-T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55 mm diameter | 2-inch x 1-inch x 8-inch | 55 mm diameter |
| Weight | 1.1 kg | 0.5 kg | 1.1 kg |
| Technology | Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) | Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) | Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) |
| Compatibility | Standard 55 mm flare dispensers | 2-inch x 1-inch x 8-inch dispensers | Standard 55 mm flare dispensers |
| Power Source | Battery-operated | Battery-operated | Battery-operated |
| Communication Interface | SSCI | SSCI | SSCI |
| Operational Use | Larger aircraft | Fast jets (e.g., F-16, F-15) | Larger transport aircraft |
| Initial Production Start | November 2024 | November 2024 | Development near completion |
| Monthly Production | 120 decoys | 120 decoys | N/A |
| Annual Production (First 2 Years) | 1,000 AEDs | 1,000 AEDs | N/A |
| Annual Production (Subsequent Years) | 2,000 AEDs | 2,000 AEDs | N/A |
Leonardo’s BriteCloud represents a cutting-edge solution in electronic warfare, significantly enhancing the survivability of military aircraft against modern radar-guided threats. With ongoing advancements and successful integration across various platforms, BriteCloud stands as a crucial component in contemporary aerial defense strategies.
The decision to integrate Leonardo’s BriteCloud AED into the F-35’s defensive suite marks a significant advancement in the aircraft’s self-protection capabilities. With the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command leading the charge, this move ensures that the F-35 will continue to stay ahead of evolving air defense threats. The addition of BriteCloud, along with the existing suite of countermeasures and the upcoming Block 4 upgrades, positions the F-35 as a highly capable and versatile platform in modern aerial warfare.
