Low cost ESM-what technology opportunities?

A wide spectrum of ESM system designs are now in service. These designs have evolved from simple crystal video receiver based RWR systems (not ESM, strictly speaking) to more complex designs sometimes involving several receiver technologies. This evolution reflects responses to the changing electromagnetic environment (EME), technology insertions and upgrades, design trade-offs as well as budget/schedule/acquisition constraints. The features, performance, cost and physical requirements of an ESM set for various platform types are analyzed. It is demonstrated that current generation ESM sets are not suitable for a growing number of small (200-300 tons) naval vessels. Technologies and architectures for satisfying this market niche are described