Air Force wants new ways to find vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks in electronic warfare (EW) and avionics

April 11, 2023
Focus in on advanced RF and digital EW simulations, threat models, sensor evaluations, and cutting-edge technology development in the RF domain.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio – U.S. Air Force researchers are asking industry to find new ways to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to avionics from cyber-attacks.

Officials of the Sensors Directorate of the Air Force Research laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, issued a solicitation on Friday (FA8650-20-S-1958-Call-05) for the Radio Frequency (RF) Electronic Warfare (EW) Focused Laboratory Evaluations of Critical Technologies (REFLECT) program.

REFLECT also seeks to develop simulation capabilities necessary to develop advanced sensors and avionics technologies, develop agile electronics architecture, and expand emerging open-systems standards for military weapons. The goal is to explore new and emerging technologies related to fending-off cyber-attacks, cyber security, open system architectures, avionics, and sensors.

REFLECT avionics involve manned, unmanned, autonomous, and remotely piloted vehicles; on-board intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems; EW systems, and munitions.

Related: Georgia Tech to investigate cutting-edge cyber security software and testing to foil enemy computer hackers

The specific focus in on advanced RF and digital EW simulations, threat models, sensor evaluations, and cutting-edge technology development in the RF domain.

Bidders must have Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances, and must be U.S. citizens. Information related to this project is subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) export control.

Companies interested should drop off white papers no later than 8 May 2023 to DOD SAFE online at https://safe.apps.mil. Email the Air Force's Jessica Vetter for a DOD SAFE link at [email protected].

Email questions or concerns to the Air Force's Jessica Vetter at [email protected], or Michael Pochet Clifton Bullmaster at [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/opp/5695b1e77e624d3fa850ada7fba25a0d/view.

About the Author

John Keller | Editor-in-Chief

John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.

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