AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System is aradar warning receiver andelectronic countermeasures (ECM) system manufactured byBAE Systems inNashua, New Hampshire, for use onUS Air ForceU-2 Dragonladyreconnaissance aircraft.[1][2] It provides U-2 pilots withsituational awareness and protection against threats that might reach the aircraft at mission altitudes of 70,000 feet plus.[1][3] The system is part of the Block 20 modernization program of the U-2 aircraft integrated with upgraded avionics and multifunction cockpit displays.[1][2][4]
Development of the ALQ-221 began in 2004 at the Nashua facilities of BAE,[1][3][4] reachingInitial Operating Capability (IOC) in October of 2005.[1][4] The system was delivered as part of the Reconnaissance Avionics Maintainability Program (RAMP).[5][6] Reportedly, the system had a 2005 unit cost of $5.8 million per system.[7]
In accordance with theJoint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/ALQ-221" designation represents the 221st design of an Army-Navy electronic device for protectivecountermeasures system. The JETDS system also now is used to name allDepartment of Defense and someNATO electronic systems.
In 2018, plans were drafted to upgrade the system's low-band subsystem to operate in "moderately contested environments".[8]
The ALQ-221 detects, classifies and counters threats using 13 receivers and transmitters.[9] Software allows the system's target recognition algorithms to be updated inflight.[10]
U.S. Air Force - U-2S Factsheet
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