Harris wins Air Force special ops EW contract

The newly created AC-130J Ghostrider awaits takeoff for its first official sortie Jan. 31 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J arrived at Eglin in January 2013 to begin the modification process for the AC-130J, whose primary mission is close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. A total of 32 MC-130J prototypes will be modified as part of a $2.4-billion AC-130J program to grow the future fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)

Harris Corp. has been chosen by BAE Systems to provide antennae for jammers on Air Force Special Operations AC/MC-130J aircraft.

“Harris’ phased array antennas will provide the transmit capability for BAE’s electronic warfare countermeasure systems. The active, electronically scanned arrays use next-generation semiconductor technology and provide fast, agile beam pointing and high reliability,” said a Harris news release.

“Harris phased array technology will ensure BAE’s electronic countermeasure systems have the directional transmitting power essential for protecting aircraft and crews and bringing them home safely,” said Harris Electronic Systems president Ed Zoiss.