ECM Pod

AN/ALQ-131 -  Electronic Countermeasures Pod

The AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasures Pod provides electronic countermeasures protection for USAF, ANG, AFRES, and FMS country aircraft. The AN/ALQ-131 is certified on the F-16, F-111, A-10, F-4, F-15, F-5 and C-130 aircraft. The ALQ-131 ECM Pod is modular in design containing various electronic receivers, antennas, and powerful transmitters designed to alter the flight path of an incoming enemy missile. This modular pod-mounted system can be configured to cope with a range of threats, spread over one to five frequency bands, by selecting individual modules for inclusion in the pod, the userthe pod to handle threats. Both noise and deception-jamming modes are available, and he pod can be reprogrammed to match the expected threat. The pod is controlled from the cockpit by both automatic and manual means. The cockpit control indicator is used to turn the system on, enable threat response actions, and display system status. ECM pods are pre-programmed on the ground for specific threats that may be encountered [ ...they also double as a pretty darn good microwave oven!].

The ALQ-131 pod contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival. The ALQ-131 Block II is an upgraded version of a pod configured ECM system first fielded in the 1970s. The pod provides self protection jamming for USAF tactical fighter aircraft and is designed to operate in a dense, hostile environment of radar directed (RF) threats that require high duty cycle (pulse doppler) or CW jamming techniques. The ALQ-131 Block II is modularly constructed, providing a high degree of adaptability to various mission requirements. Basic hardware components include an Interface and control module, 2 or 3 Band modules that cover a portion of the pod's total frequency range, and the Receiver/Processor (R/P) module. The R/P module combines an accurate signal identification capability with power management. An important function of the R/P is the management of "look through" which permits periodic surveillance of the threat environment while jamming is in progress. This system is no longer in production for U.S. forces and is well past IOC. Operational Flight Program (OFP) Block software up-dates are expected about every two years, or as tactically required based on the continuum of threat evaluation to support theater tailored User Data Files (UDF), and jammer technique optimization.

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