The US Air Force is exploring the integration of the innovative Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod on larger aircraft platforms, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the C-130 Hercules. Developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the Angry Kitten pod has demonstrated promising capabilities during tests on the F-16 fighter jet and is currently undergoing evaluations on the MQ-9 Reaper drone.
Initial assessments of the Angry Kitten pod installed on the C-130 combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft have yielded encouraging results. These outcomes are particularly noteworthy for larger aircraft that possess larger radar cross-sections and have traditionally been deficient in effective electronic warfare countermeasures. The Air Force also has plans to extend testing to additional aircraft, including the KC-46 and KC-135 tankers, all equipped with the self-correcting “cognitive” electronic warfare system.
The testing of the Angry Kitten on the C-130 is vital, as CSAR aircraft typically operate in hostile environments where electronic warfare protection is essential but often lacking. Chris Culver, an electronic warfare engineer involved in the testing, expressed surprise at the promising results, saying, “We had minimal hopes for what we could do for larger body aircraft, but it’s showing that we actually have good effects.”
During the tests on the C-130, the Angry Kitten system distinguished itself by allowing real-time updates to its electronic warfare techniques. Unlike the F-16 tests, which relied on pre-programmed mission data files, the C-130 tests involved a team of development engineers who could modify the system’s jamming strategies mid-flight based on live feedback from range-control operations. Culver noted the effectiveness of making real-time adjustments to techniques, which enabled the team to see immediate results.
The Angry Kitten pod was installed on the C-130 via the Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (SABIR) system on the paratroopers’ door. This modular system, developed by Airdyne, offers the flexibility to reconfigure aircraft for a variety of mission payloads.
Designed with advanced technology, the Angry Kitten leverages machine learning to identify and characterize enemy radars and other electronic warfare threats, allowing it to tailor its jamming and spoofing techniques effectively. Its adaptability contrasts sharply with traditional electronic warfare systems that rely on pre-set programming and human input for decision-making. The pod is reported to utilize a blend of commercial electronics, custom hardware solutions, innovative machine-learning software, and a unique test bed to push the boundaries of adaptability in electronic warfare technology.
As the project advances, the Air Force is also developing a next-generation version of the Angry Kitten pod, tentatively named “Angry Kitten Inc 2 Block 2.” This upgraded system is expected to feature numerous enhancements, including hardware improvements and a shift from analog to digital receivers for better sensitivity and frequency agility. Culver mentioned, “We’re taking a bunch of separate line-replaceable units within the pod and smashing them together into one LRU (Line Replaceable Unit), saving more real estate inside the pod to make room for new capabilities.”
As these developments progress, the Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod appears poised to significantly enhance the US Air Force’s operational capabilities in contested environments.
