Electronic countermeasures

The author discusses the various ECM (electronic countermeasure) objectives and design constraints and suggests an architecture for an array of advanced ECM system components applicable to the 2 MHz to 500 MHz frequency range. Collins Avionics & Communications Division (CACD) has developed a system which covers the VHF/UHF communication frequency bands. The AN/USQ-113(V) Radio Countermeasures Set combines fixed-frequency and frequency-hopping communications (electronic counter countermeasures), electronic support measures (ESMs), and ECMs in a single system. In the ECM/ESM mode, the system provides communications monitoring capability of jamming capability against single-channel fixed-frequency or slow frequency-hopping communications in the 20 to 500 MHz frequency range. When not being used in the ECM/ESM mode, the system may be operated as a conventional radio for voice communications. It is also SATCOM and crypto compatible and has ECCM capability with several operator-selectable frequency hopping rates