Leonardo has been awarded a contract by Northrop Grumman to supply its new SRT-400 high frequency (HF) radio system to the US Navy's fleet of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye surveillance aircraft.
Leonardo has been engaged for decades in the development and production of HF radio systems for airborne applications. The company's experience dates back to the 70s, with the sale of thousands of previous generation products RT-170 (170W), RT-270 (200W) and RT-470 (400W) to customers around the world. The extensive research and development activity in the field of high frequency radio devices for aerial platforms has led to the design and production of the Single Side Band SRT-400, a state-of-the-art HF system, available for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. .
Leonardo's technology decreases signal transmission (TX) power consumption by more than 40% compared to previous designs, reducing heat dissipation and greatly improving reliability. Both transmitters can be interfaced with multiple ATUs (Antenna Tuning Units) corresponding to all types of existing antennas.
The SRT-400 and its lower power version, the SRT-200, combine high flexibility and simplified operations in a reduced weight and size package, achieved through an innovative electrical and mechanical design.
Variants of the E-2 Hawkeye have been in operation since the early 60s. The aircraft provides airborne early warning and command and control functions from ship or ground in all weather conditions, detecting and tracking targets at great distances in deep water, coastal areas and on land.
