The Navy contracted BAE Systems to produce the antennae that US military planners hope will negate enemies’ ability to use electronic warfare against Super Hornets. The antennae measure 14 inches (35 cm) in height by 2 inches (5 cm) in width. If they work as intended, Super Hornet pilots will retain GPS reception in the face of electronic attacks.
BAE Systems will receive $12.3 million to build 265 "conformal-controlled reception pattern antenna" (C-CRPA) units for Super Hornets deployed on US aircraft carriers.
The antennae can also be fitted onto EA-18 "Growlers," which are essentially F/A-18s that have been modified specifically for carrier-based electronic warfare operations.
The Navy expects BAE Systems to finish the build by summer of 2022.
