Project AIR 5416: Electronic Warfare Self Protection: Design and Development of the Ground and Aircraft System

The Australian Department of Defence's project, AIR 5416 Echidna, Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) for aircraft, involves the development of an advanced Ground System, the Integrated Electronic Warfare Mission Support System (IEWMSS) along with an integrated EWSP Suite Controller (EWSC) for the aircraft that coordinates sensors, countermeasures and a human machine interface. In addition, project Echidna includes a Mission Data System (MDS) for pre-flight planning and post mission analysis, and a series of training aids to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) staff. Echidna Phase 2A applies the system to the Chinook and Black Hawk Helicopters. However, the concept was intended for, and has now been designed to apply to, multiple aircraft platforms offering significant economic and capability benefits to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This paper outlines the design and current state of development of Echidna Phase 2A focussing on the EWSP components installed in the aircraft and the ground system.