Textron Systems Model 527 serves as radar signal simulator for KC-46

HUNT VALLEY, Md., 1 Dec. 2015. The Model 527 platform from Textron Systems Electronic Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) business, will serve as the Radar Signal Simulator for the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft. This new application for the Model 527 follows its selection for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter testing.

Textron’s Model 527, designed for end-of-runway and walk-around preflight testing, helps determine the operational status of installed electronic warfare (EW) radar warning receiver (RWR) systems. Operational readiness and threat recognition are verified across antennas, transmission lines, radomes, cockpit displays, and controls.

Textron Systems’ advanced threat modeling software allows a variety of threat simulations including simple, continuous-wave, pulsed single emitters, and multiplexed radio-frequency (RF) emitters modeling several threats simultaneously. Once the threat profiles have been installed in the test set, personnel can progress through them easily on the flight line with a thumb switch, verifying aircraft operation, officials say.
“We offer a proven system that can be used across multiple advanced platforms,” explains Senior Vice President and General Manager Steve Mensh. “The Model 527’s power enables testing at stand-off range for large aircraft. The product’s capability and ease of use is why our customer base continues to expand.”

Textron Systems’ Model 527 is compatible with threat file sharing, along with the company’s family of RF testers. This includes the Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST), which has an installed base of more than 500 systems in numerous countries around the world, and the Advanced Architecture Phase, Amplitude, and Time Simulator (A2PATS) Laboratory Electromagnetic Environment Simulator.

Textron Systems’ businesses develop and integrate products, services, and support for aerospace and defense customers, as well as civil and commercial customers including those in law enforcement, security, border patrol, and critical infrastructure protection around the globe. Textron Systems consists of its Advanced Information Solutions, Electronic Systems, Geospatial Solutions, Lycoming Engines, Marine & Land Systems, Support Solutions, TRU Simulation + Training, Unmanned Systems, and Weapon & Sensor Systems businesses.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses. Textron is known around the world for brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.