U.S. Defense company Raytheon has introduced the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), an AI-powered enhancement for its AN/ALR-69A(V) all-digital radar warning receiver (RWR). This advancement aims to bolster the survivability of U.S. Air Force aircrews by enabling real-time analysis and identification of evolving radar threats.

The proliferation of reprogrammable digital radars by adversaries has posed significant challenges to traditional radar warning systems, which rely on static databases of known threats. 

CADS addresses this issue by integrating advanced AI and machine learning capabilities directly into the ALR-69A(V) RWR, allowing for dynamic threat recognition and prioritization during missions.

Michael Baladjanian, Raytheon’s vice president of electronic warfare systems said: “Our ALR-69A, which we’re employing this on, is really the first digital radar warning receiver. It gives the aircrew one of the most highly reliable precision data-making systems compared to the old analog legacy systems.” 

The CADS module incorporates an embedded graphics processing unit and a computing stack developed by Deepwave Digital. This integration facilitates the hosting of third-party software, enabling future algorithmic enhancements without hardware modifications. 

The system’s open architecture design ensures compatibility across various platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130H, and KC-46A aircraft. 

Recent flight tests, conducted in collaboration with the Air National Guard near Tucson, Arizona, demonstrated CADS’ capability to accurately detect and prioritize complex radar signals in dense environments. 

Raytheon anticipates that the U.S. Air Force will begin procuring CADS-equipped ALR-69A(V) systems in early 2025 to retrofit a significant portion of the fourth-generation aircraft fleet.