BAE Systems has received a USD 15 M (EUR 13.64 M) contract from the US Navy to deliver its next-generation digital identification friend or foe (IFF) interrogator for maritime vessels, the company announced on 25 July 2023.
BAE Systems’ modernised AN/UPX-50(C) digital interrogator will provide a common modular design and open-system architecture. Its design enables the rapid integration of new technology within the existing footprint through software updates instead of having to reconfigure the hardware. The interrogator will have advanced capabilities, according to BAE, providing time-critical insights that reduce friendly fire incidents and support mission success in hostile environments.
The AN/UPX-50(C) digital interrogator delivers high-performance, multi-function IFF solutions for air defence, weapon systems, air traffic control, and range instrumentation. Used for Mark XIIB IFF processing, including Mode 5 and Mode S, it provides secure and encrypted data exchange. It also includes a third receive channel for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In, providing enhanced situational awareness for warfighters.
“The flexibility of our design provides high performance without changes to existing fleet infrastructure – getting critical system updates to the warfighter faster,” Donna Linke-Klein, director of Tactical Systems at BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This investment will accommodate IFF technology growth for several decades to best equip the US Navy in the evolving battlespace.”
With more than 80 years of IFF experience, BAE Systems has delivered over 16,000 transponders, 1,500 interrogators, and 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems for use on new and existing platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, and rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, the company noted in its press release.
Work on the upgraded AN/UPX-50(C) digital IFF interrogator will be performed at BAE Systems’ facility in Greenlawn, New York.
Peter Felstead
