BAE Systems won a $19 million U.S. Navy contract to design and implement UPX-24 target data processor capabilities into a single digital interrogator Identification Friend or Foe solution.
The upgraded IFF digital interrogator will optimize data collection and processing to provide time-critical insights and improve decision-making for the maritime fleet, the company said.
“This is a collaborative effort with our customer to bring the Navy’s UPX-24 target data processor functions into our digital interrogator systems,” said Donna Linke-Klein, director of Tactical Systems at BAE Systems.
“Going from two separate hardware sets on a shipboard platform to a single consolidated solution allows for reduced obsolescence and the ability to rapidly integrate new technology. The latest design will optimize performance while providing the situational awareness our warfighters need in a variety of threat environments.”
BAE Systems’ digital interrogator systems enable operators to identify friendly forces and make informed decisions that reduce friendly fire incidents and support mission success.
The digital interrogator collects data by emitting a radio signal at one frequency, prompting an IFF transponder to emit a reply signal at a different frequency, confirming an approaching platform is “friendly.” The U.S. Navy’s UPX-24 system provides target data to the ship’s command, control, communications, computer and intelligence system and processes all inputs to determine the appropriate response.
By integrating these capabilities into one multifunction solution, the advanced digital interrogator will meet size, weight, power and cost objectives while accommodating future upgrades.
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.