A2PATS Will Support US and International LIGHTNING Operators
Textron Systems Electronic Systems announced on 30 November that its Advanced Architecture Phase Amplitude and Time Simulator (A2PATS) has been selected under a contract with Lockheed Martin to provide complex EW threat simulation capability in the F-35 LIGHTNING II Norwegian Italian Reprogramming Lab (NIRL) at Eglin Air Force Base.

The NIRL will use A2PATS to develop and validate aircraft requirements, leveraging the system’s direct port architecture to provide modularity, maximise system availability and reduce life cycle costs. A2PATS is ready to operate within 30 minutes, accurately aligning signals across all frequencies and dynamic ranges in frequency, phase, amplitude and time.

The A2PATS is an advanced open architecture electromagnetic environment simulator incorporating electronic warfare, communications and electronic intelligence capabilities, facilitating testing of precision location, identification and defensive systems against virtually all ground-based and airborne threats.

“The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced tactical aircraft, designed to deliver powerful new capabilities to the warfighter,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Steve T. Mensh. “Our A2PATS gives the F-35 community the confidence needed to validate mission-critical electronic warfare systems.”