Leonardo BriteStorm Electronic Warfare System for Slave UAVs

Elements of the BriteStorm system (from left to right): one of the antenna options, a transmitting/receiving module, and a jammer

The British division of Leonardo has presented a promising electronic warfare system called BriteStorm. It is designed to be installed on various air platforms and should effectively counter ground-based air defense systems. At the same time, the new system EW It is simple and suitable for mass production and deployment.

First announcement

The annual conference of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is currently taking place in Washington. This event is one of the main platforms for various discussions, as well as for the presentation of new developments in the military sphere. One of the regular participants of the conference is the Italian company Leonardo.

This year, the company's main innovation was the promising electronic warfare system BriteStorm. This is a compact and lightweight active jamming station, which implements several interesting ideas, due to which, as the developer claims, special operational capabilities are achieved.

The BrightStorm system is designed on a modular principle and can be produced in various configurations. It includes several devices for different purposes: some are common to all configurations, while others are replaced depending on various factors.

The new jamming station is small in size and weight, which allows it to be installed on a variety of carriers. At the same time, unmanned aerial vehicles are considered as the main carriers of the system. The developers believe that it is precisely such platforms that will allow the full use of the BriteStorm product potential and obtain the best operational results.

The system already exists in prototype form and is being tested. Leonardo recently conducted its own testing of the devices, which probably helped to identify their shortcomings and determine ways of further improvement.

Option for placing an electronic warfare system on board a UAV

In addition, the Royal Air Force of Great Britain has expressed interest in the new jamming station. It is reported that the prototype of "BrightStorm" is being tested as part of the electronic equipment of one of the RAF aircraft, but the type of this carrier is not disclosed.

The KVVS is conducting its own tests. The first flights of the "flying laboratory" with the new equipment have already taken place. The system's operability in flight has been demonstrated, but no details of such testing have been provided. It is also unknown how long the tests by the KVVS will last and how they will end.

Modular system

The developer has disclosed the main technical information about its new electronic warfare system and also showed its main components. However, some of the characteristics cannot be disclosed yet due to the sensitivity of the topic.

The BriteStorm system includes three main elements: a jammer module, a transmitter/receiver module, and an antenna. The first two devices are common to all configurations. Depending on the selected configuration, they may be equipped with different software versions.

Several types of antenna devices are being developed, differing in design and technical characteristics. They are intended for installation on various carriers, and a corresponding type of antenna will be selected for each type of aircraft.

The use of modern technologies allowed making the BrightStorm system light and compact. The diameter of individual devices does not exceed 10-15 cm, and the total weight in the minimum configuration does not exceed 2,5 kg.

The EW system is powered by the carrier's onboard network. The exact power requirements are not yet known, but the developers claim that even a battery from an HMMWV vehicle will work for BriteStorm.

The BriteStorm station's operating algorithms are based on Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology. The station must receive enemy radar probing signals, copy their signature and send back a similar pulse at the same frequency.

It is assumed that the pulse from the electronic warfare system arrives at the radar after the real reflected signal. This should prevent the normal operation of the radar and worsen the enemy's situational awareness. In addition, manipulation of radio signals allows "creating" false air targets and introducing Defense misleading.

New tactic

The BriteStorm system can be installed on any aircraft that has enough free space in its internal compartments. At the same time, according to the developers, the main carriers of this system will be various Drones.

First of all, the new electronic warfare system is proposed to be used on UAVs of the “faithful wingman” class. It can also be installed on rockets, designed to create false air targets. In both cases, the jamming station will perform the same function.

According to the developers, the unmanned carriers of the BrightStorm system will have to move ahead of combat aircraft, affecting the enemy's air defense. The main task of the UAV will be to suppress radars and reduce their effectiveness. At the same time, it is possible that the enemy's air defense will be able to partially maintain combat capability and still shoot down the drone.

Manned aircraft performing combat missions will have to fly at a safe distance from the leading UAVs. They will also have to be equipped with electronic warfare systems, including the promising BriteStorm system. The aircraft will also counter air defense, but for their own protection.

Leonardo is confident that this method of using the new electronic warfare system, combined with its own capabilities and characteristics, will achieve all the desired results. Mixed aviation The formation, consisting of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, will have to effectively suppress both existing and prospective missile defense systems, and then successfully carry out its primary task.

At the current stage

Leonardo has now completed the design of the new EW system and has begun testing it. Moreover, the BriteStorm product has already attracted the interest of a potential customer, the Royal Air Force, and is currently testing the new product.

Full information about the new project is not yet available, and the available information is mostly of an advertising nature. However, it is already possible to understand what is interesting about the new development of the Leonardo company, and what features can attract the attention of potential customers.

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the architecture of the BriteStorm system. It consists of several small devices that are easily placed in the free volumes of the carrier. The mass of the product, depending on its composition and configuration, does not exceed several kilograms. These weight and size parameters make the new system universal and compatible with a wide range of carriers.

The BriteStorm algorithm is also interesting. Instead of simply creating interference at given frequencies, this system simulates a reflected probing signal, which significantly increases the effectiveness of suppressing enemy radar equipment. In addition, several operating modes with different features are provided.

"BrightStorm" is proposed to be used on unmanned platforms, such as "faithful wingmen". This option of application has its advantages. Firstly, it reduces the risks for manned aircraft without reducing its chances of completing a combat mission. At the same time, UAVs will be able to carry not only electronic warfare systems, but also their own weapons. The operational capabilities of a mixed unit equipped with weapons and electronic warfare systems become quite obvious.

Funds for the Future

However, it should be remembered that the BriteStorm project is still in the development and refinement stage. Leonardo and the first potential customer are already conducting tests, but the adoption and launch of serial production are still a matter of an uncertain future.

It is still unknown how soon the current work will be completed and the new product will be put into operation. However, this does not prevent Leonardo from already showing its new development and actually starting its advertising campaign. This shows that the developer is confident in its product. Time will tell how well-founded this confidence is.