The AN/ALQ-221 is a state-of-the-art integrated Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Electronic Countermeasures system (ECM) that provides U-2 pilots with situational awareness and self-protection against current and future complex threats.

The U-2 routinely flies at altitudes greater than 70,000 feet and provides U.S. and allied forces with surveillance and reconnaissance information.

"Due to the hard work of many agencies, all of the necessary milestones have been satisfied and we declare the AN/ALQ-221 electronic warfare system initial operating capability," said Maj. Gen. Kenneth DeCuir, Air Force director of air and space operations.

The ADS culminates more than 40 years of BAE Systems ECM technology maturity and advancement. The system is an integral part of the Block 20 U-2S aircraft modernization program and is integrated with the upgraded avionics processor and multifunction cockpit displays.

System production of the AN/ALQ-221, which was developed at BAE Systems' Nashua, New Hampshire facility, began in 2004 and is nearly complete. The last Systems are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the month.

"It is extremely rewarding for our team to be able to field such a capable system for protecting U-2 pilots," said John Normand, BAE Systems' U-2 program manager.

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