The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is testing the Angry Kitten electronic warfare (EW) pod on larger aircraft including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and C-130 Hercules, after success on the F-16, according to reports.
Originally designed for the F-16, Angry Kitten enhances EW capabilities by using machine learning to detect and counter enemy radar and threats in real time. Unlike traditional EW systems that require pre-programmed responses, it adapts autonomously.
According to a press release published by ANG AFRC Test Center (AATC), responsible for testing and evaluating new technologies for the USAF, initial tests on the C-130 combat search and rescue aircraft have shown promising results.
The C-130 testing reportedly incorporates real-time updates to electronic warfare techniques, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments. Unlike the F-16 tests, which relied on pre-programmed mission data files, the C-130 trials include development engineers on board who can modify jamming techniques mid-mission based on feedback from range control.
“We had minimal hopes for what we could do for larger body aircraft, but it’s showing that we actually have good effects,” Chris Culver, an electronic warfare engineer involved with testing said.
Aside from A-10 and C-130, Angry Kitten is also being tested on the MQ-9 Reaper, according to AATC. Future testing of the EW pod is also planned for the KC-46 and KC-135 tankers.
A new version, called “Angry Kitten Inc 2 Block 2,” is in development and will feature upgraded hardware, transition from analog to digital receivers for better sensitivity, and consolidate multiple components into a single unit.
“We’re taking a bunch of separate line-replaceable units within the pod and smashing them together into one LRU, saving more real estate inside the pod to make room for new capabilities,” Culver said.
