AN/ALE-55

Fiber-optic towed decoy

Reliable protection against advanced RF threats

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Robust RF self-protection AN/ALE-55 counters monopulse, Features and benefits
Today's radio frequency (RF) threats are growing, not only home-on-jam, and man-in-the-loop • High-powered coherent jamming across a broad
in number, but also in capabilities. For mission success across a advanced threats frequency range to defeat advanced RF threats
range of hostile environments, self-protection is essential for ensures superior protection.
all aircraft, from fighters to bombers to transports. Robust RF • Unlike centrifugal braking, the AN/ALE 55
self-protection is available from BAE Systems’ AN/ALE-55 state-of-the-art active braking system maximizes
fiber-optic towed decoy (FOTD). system response time to meet the demanding
Unlike traditional decoys, such as straight-through repeaters, the Seduction requirements for defeating advanced RF threats.
fiber-optic towed decoy is coherent and works synergistically Decoy radiates jammer This active braking system allows for extremely fast
with an aircraft’s onboard electronic warfare (EW) equipment to techniques. As a last resort, decoy and precise decoy deployment, allowing a second
defeat RF threats. It protects aircraft throughout the threat becomes preferred target. FOTD to be quickly deployed if necessary.
envelope, delivering three layers of defense. • In addition to the standard fast, deploy,
expendable decoy, a reel out/reel in deployment
1. S
 uppression – During the tracking radar’s acquisition phase, system is available. This option allows decoys
the aircraft’s EW system uses the FOTD to emit jamming to be used multiple times, lowering the system’s
techniques that suppress the radar’s ability to acquire and lifecycle operational costs.
track the target. • Dual, high-powered traveling wave tubes generate
enough power to protect a variety of platforms –
2. Deception – If the target tracking radar achieves successful from fighters to large airlift aircraft.
target track in spite of suppression techniques, deception • Efficient, broad-beam antennas optimize the
is the next layer of response. Once the radar emissions jamming signal. The antennas employ integral
are analyzed, the system determines optimum jamming linearization, using detectors built into the antennas
Deception
techniques to break aircraft track. If more than to assure the FOTD operates at optimum power level.
Introduce tracking errors
one radar threat is detected, the system can respond
into interception solution • Variable drag fins that open and close in response
with simultaneous transmission of multiple to air pressure and speed ensure stable flight under
jamming techniques. wide altitude and speed variation, producing
3. Seduction – If an RF missile is launched, highly reliable jamming performance.
the FOTD can break the missile’s track of the • Fighter versions of the AN/ALE-55 include a
aircraft or lure the missile away from the highly robust signal and towline that has been
target aircraft by becoming the target itself. tested on multiple aircraft to meet the required
deployment and tow envelope.
• With its ability to configure to multiple
interfaces, the AN/ALE-55 advanced subsystem
reduces complexity.

Suppression
Deny, delay, degrade radar
track to reduce surface-to-air

Delivering protection against missile and/or airborne

interceptor engagement range

current and future RF missile threats

AN/ALE-55 components
The AN/ALE-55 subsystem consists of an on-board signal-conditioning assembly and the FOTD. The signal-conditioning
assembly converts RF frequencies to light for transfer through the fiber-optic line. The system has two modes. In the
primary mode, the onboard EW system detects and analyzes a threat, determines the appropriate response, and then
sends that response down the line to the FOTD for transmission. An alternative, back-up mode is an independent repeater,
where the threat signal is detected, modulated, and then sent down the line to the FOTD. The system can interface with Ready now
any onboard techniques generator, and can convert any technique. This broad capability enables the system to be installed The AN/ALE-55 has been extensively flight-tested on a variety of aircraft,
on a variety of aircraft and to handle today’s range of techniques and any developed to defeat future threats. demonstrating robust aerodynamic performance and its ability to jam threats.

BAE Systems | AN/ALE-55 Fiber-optic towed decoy BAE Systems | AN/ALE-55 Fiber-optic towed decoy
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BAE Systems | AN/ALE-55 Fiber-optic towed decoy