BAE Systems has won a $15 million contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver its next-generation digital interrogator for maritime vessels.
The interrogator will have advanced capabilities, providing time-critical insights that reduce friendly fire incidents and support mission success in hostile environments.
“The flexibility of our design provides high performance without changes to existing fleet infrastructure – getting critical system updates to the warfighter faster,” said Donna Linke-Klein, director of tactical systems at BAE Systems.
BAE Systems’ modernized AN/UPX-50(C) Digital Interrogator will provide a common modular design and open system architecture. It enables the rapid integration of new technology within the existing footprint through software updates instead of hardware configuration.
“This investment will accommodate IFF technology growth for several decades to best equip the U.S. Navy in the evolving battlespace,” Linke-Klein said.
The AN/UPX-50(C) Digital Interrogator will serve the Navy’s fleet. It delivers high-performance, multi-function Identification Friend or Foe solutions for air defense, weapon systems, air traffic control and range instrumentation.
Used for Mark XIIB Identification Friend or Foe processing, including Mode 5 and Mode S, it provides secure and encrypted data exchange. The solution 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.
With more than 80 years of Identification Friend or Foe 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.
Work on the upgraded AN/UPX-50(C) Digital Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator will be performed at BAE Systems’ facility in Greenlawn, New York.