The Navy awarded the first production contract for AN/SLQ-32(V) to Raytheon in May 1977 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in FY 79. Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) was conducted for the AN/SLQ-32(V)2 on the USS OLIVER HAZARD PERRY (FFG 7) in July 1979. In FY 82, the final Technical Evaluation (TECHEVAL) and OPEVAL were completed for the AN/SLQ-32(V)1 and (V)3 on board the USS MISSISSIPPI (CGN 40).
Shortly after production began, the Secretary of Defense directed the implementation of the Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (EWIP) to ensure that system performance was upgraded to meet evolving threats. The resulting improvements were implemented starting in 1987 and the system was given the nomenclature AN/SLQ-32A(V). Various Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) were incorporated as part of the �Alpha� variant. Examples include Band 3 Improvements (ECP 206) which increased ES range by increasing the sensitivity in Band 3 and providing high elevation angle coverage; Digital Processor Unit (DPU) Upgrade (ECP 463) which incorporated a 20 MB hard drive, and provided a new processor that was three times faster than the old system; Interference Suppression (ECP 469) which improved Continuous Wave (CW) high pulse repetition frequency processing capability, increased the number of Band 3 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) filters, increased the flexibility of the two existing fixed frequency notch filters, and reduced the processing load of the Digital Tracking Unit; and Semi-Omni Antenna for Band 3 (ECP 470) which provided increased isolation from own ship emitters by reducing the gain in the direction of the transmitters and sea reflections, and increased antenna gain in the direction of threats and improved elevation coverage. Additional improvements were made but were not part of the �Alpha� upgrade.
An integral component and an effective asset in the Navy�s Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), the AN/SLQ-32A Electronic Warfare System comprises three modular versions with increasing levels of complexity deployed in five variants:
RFIST Revision 1.0 was the initial research and analysis release for proof of concept. It has since been revised several times to allow autodetermination of variant and data collection on all active variants of the SLQ-32. The most recent revision (7.0) allows use of the hard disk to allow interrupted sessions to be continued from the point of interruption. RFIST Revision 7 operates in all current active versions of the AN/SLQ-32(V). This includes the AN/ SLQ-32(V)3, A(V)3, (V)4 and (V)5. The RFIST software automatically determines which variant it is installed in and operates appropriately. The operator interface is identical in all cases. Revision 7 allows use of the hard disk to temporarily store data.
Blanking has reduced or eliminated most interference from own ship�s pulsed emitters in the AN/SLQ-32(V) Countermeasures Set. Blanking disables the RF front end on a receiver that is effected by an own-ship�s pulsed emitter for a set period of time when the emitter generates an RF output pulse. To minimize degradation (receiver off-time), blanking should only occur when it is actually needed. The AN/SLA-10B Blanker Unit associated with the AN/SLQ-32 used one blanking pulse width and delay to process each pretrigger input. To ensure the interference is reduced to a minimum, the blanking pulse�s duration is set to blank the emitter�s longest pulse duration and the worst case situation of sea return. For all but worst-case situations, this adjustment will result in overblanking of the AN/SLQ-32. Optimum blanking alignment is achieved when PULSE DELAY and PULSE WIDTH controls are set to the minimum values needed to provide consistent blanking, while limiting the impact on receiver �OFF� time. Insufficient blanking will cause Own Ship emitters to be processed and dis-played, while excessive blanking reduces receiver �look time.� Blanking procedures should be performed in a normal sea state environment to minimize the effects of weather conditions on the receiving capability of the AN/SLQ-32(V). When high seas exist and sea return presents a problem, blanking pulses may be increased to compensate for reflection of ownship emitters. However, blanking pulses should be returned to normal sea state alignment settings once the weather conditions return to normal. In the past, the AN/SLQ-32 has been able to tolerate the overblanking caused by the limitations of the AN/SLA-10B with little degradation in overall system performance. However, with many of the emitters currently being introduced into the fleet, the use of large variations in pulse width and pulse repetition interval to achieve improved performance resulted in significant AN/SLA-10B overblanking (receiver off-time). One approach to resolving the problems is to develop Automated Blanking. With a blanking card that can be made smart by using a feedback loop from the AN/SLQ-32. This improved blanking card continuously readjusts the blanking pulse width based on the various activity strobe data available from the AN/SLQ-32 presorter. Due to the nature of this concept, it is only applicable to AN/SLQ-32 Bands 2 and 3. A prototype Automated Blanker has been designed and tested at NSWC Crane. The prototype consists of a temporary breakout box that extracts the feedback signals from the AN/SLQ-32 and the pretrigger signal from the AN/SLA-10B. Lab testing of the prototype is complete. An at sea test was conducted aboard the USS Klakring (FFG 42) from 28 April through 2 May 1997. If funded, this modification would be implemented as a field change (FC). Due to the extent of the FC, the conversion would be accomplished via restoration of AN/SLA-10B at NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane. A rotatable pool would be established using decom assets. During the restoration, the required modifications would be added. The modified system would then be installed aboard ship. The upgraded DDI Console is a Standard AN/SLQ-32(V) Console with a bullnose modification allowing for control of up to six decoy launchers, FAB functionality modifications, and additional circuit cards that provide fully automated decoy launch capabilities. All AN/SLQ-32(V) units were originally slated to receive DDI Consoles; however, development of the Nulka decoy and reduced funding have limited the number of DDI Consoles being procured to approximately 40 units. When the Mk 36 Decoy Launching System is modified to add Nulka capability (changing the designation to Mk 53), all the launchers are connected to the new Decoy Launch Processor, which duplicates many of the hardware improvements found in the DDI Console. For this reason, ships with Nulka installations planned will retain the Standard Console, while the DDI Consoles under procurement will be directed toward non- Nulka ships.Standard Console | DDI Console |
* Operator must authorize each decoy launch | System can be configured to launch decoys without operator action |
Control of four launchers maximum | Control of six launchers maximum |
No direct ship's speed input | Direct ship's speed input |
* The system selects the launchers, tubes, and reseed intervals for each engagement. The operator presses the ARM and QUICK LAUNCH FABs, when prompted, to actually launch the decoys. |
In order to reduce extra / false tracks R17.00 implements the correlation of new emitters with existing emitters that have a high angle change rate by use of emitter angle history to predict emitter position, it correlates different pulse repetition interval (PRI) results to the same emitter. In addition the upgrade correlated emitters to on-board radars, which allows operator to enter on-board radar parameters into a table and prevent display of emitters caused by on-board systems. The upgrade also correlate signals reported at different AOAs to the same emitter. R17.00 has the added capability to correlate Band 2 emitters in addition to the current capability for Band 3 emitters. The capabilities includes correlation of Band 2 / Band 2, Band 2 / Band 3, and Band 3 / Band 3 emitter combinations.
With the integration of DDI, the system can now make anticipated platform modifications. For single emitter identification, R17.00 prevents correlation of emitter candidates that don�t have anticipated platforms with existing platforms that do. It also prevents the operator from eliminating emitter candidates with anticipated platforms. Another capability is the implementation of Selected Emitter Automatic Response (SEAR) to initiate EM jamming against non-missile threats with minimum operator actions. This will compare new emitter detections against operator defined automatic engagement criteria (ELNOT, bearing sector), and engage new emitters automatically without operator intervention for positive comparisons. Display modifications were added to improve human machine interface. The improvements were made possible by replacing most tabular displays with windowed displays that can be inspected and changed without leaving the polar display. The displays allow the operator to sequence to and review alerts without losing information entered during a prompting sequence. R17.00 implements scan algorithm improvements that increase the number of emitters for which scan can be successfully determined and allow scan to be determined even under conditions of dropped lobes or staggered/pulse group emitter types. A modification has been added in order to automatically suspend engagement of and release resources assigned to a non-missile emitter whenever the emitter becomes inactive (i.e. Digital Tracking Unit (DTU) sends delete emitter message to Digital Processor Unit (DPU)). Then the software will resume engagement automatically whenever the emitter becomes re-activated. R17.00 has been modified for anticipated platforms; to display only platforms that could be active in the current Geo-area. Other software modifications include: the check for duplicate platform name text strings whenever an addition is made to the Platform Name File and will alert the operator of duplication, allowing the operator to perform Multi-Emitter Correlation (MEC) operations in Polar mode , order non-primary ID candidates in close control display in descending order of threat level, and the Expand Threat Data Base (formerly Main Line Threat Library). The Expand Threat Data Base has the following modifications:The decommissioning of ships with installed AN/SLQ-32(V)s provide assets to be used on new ships. Rather than award additional contracts for new production systems, the US Navy decided to restore systems from decommissioned platforms. The Navy terminated production of new systems after Lot 15 and implemented a joint effort between NSWCCD and Raytheon for the restoration of systems. A total of 450 systems, US and FMS, were procured through Lot 15. In November 1995, the Navy awarded Raytheon a contract for restoration of three AN/SLQ-32A(V)3s. NSWCCD restored and upgraded parts of the system and prepared enclosures for installation of articulated doors. The hardware was then shipped to Raytheon for assembly and sell-off. The Navy awarded another restoration contract for eight AN/SLQ-32A( V)2s and one A(V)3 in the second quarter of FY 98.
CNO Memo of 14 May 1996 Ser 00/6C5000044 terminated the AN/SLQ-32(V) Program and directed reprogramming of funding to the Advanced Integrated EW System (AIEWS) Program. Because of its advancing age and the incremental introduction of AIEWS, the AN/SLQ-32(V) Fleet assets will require support well into the twenty-first century. As the replacement for AN/SLQ-32(V), AIEWS will use an open systems architecture to lower investment costs and improve system effectiveness. Due to the open design, this system will allow for ease of future technology insertion, dramatically improve human computer interface to promote smartship manning, and promote full integration with the shipboard LAN and combat systems. The Navy will introduce AIEWS in two increments: the first designed to provide improved human-computer interface, improved emitter processing, a new receiver package including a special signal receiver, specific emitter identification capability, and enhanced combat system integration; and, the second increment is to include an advanced electronic attack subsystem.
All AN/SLQ-32(V) procurements through DDG 79 were completed under Lot 16. DDGs 80-83 will utilize new AN/SLQ-32A(V)3s from Lot 15 or restored systems from Lot 16. DDGs 84-90 and LPD 17 are currently scheduled to receive restored AN/SLQ-32A( V)2 systems. When funds become available, LPD 18-21 will receive re-stored AN/SLQ-32A(V)2s if it is still a viable option. DDGs 91 and beyond as well as LPD 22 and beyond are currently planned to receive forward fit AIEWS.
Included with the AN/SLQ-32A is the Electronic Warfare On-Board Trainer (EW OBT) S10H7, a Personal Computer (PC) based training system, which synthesizes and injects simulated, programmable emitter contact signals into AN/SLQ-32A EW equipment in support of dockside or at-sea training exercises. Digital and video/audio training signals representing the ship's electromagnetic environment are injected into EW system components, and are conditioned to simulate the signal characteristics of a large cross section of platform emitters. The EW OBT is capable of running either preprogrammed or dynamically built scenarios via PC interface; and it is capable of simulating over 150 emitters simultaneously. EW OBT scenarios can be either locally controlled to provide operator level training, or externally driven to support integrated Combat System team level training. The EW OBT utilizes the embedded training device to interface with EW components and provide emitter simulation, which is compatible with the on-line threat library, operator control requests, signal analysis capability, and close control. Simulated emitter characteristics specified by the scenario are selected and controlled by the embedded training device relational database management system software.
AN/SLQ-32(V) SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION STATUS ACCOUNTING REPORT U.S. SHIPS BY CLASS - ** INFO ONLY ** Data as of Tuesday, November 17, 1998 ANCHORAGE CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ANCHORAGE LSD 36 --/O3 WEST V1 MOUNT VERNON LSD 39 --/O3 WEST V1 PENSACOLA LSD 38 --/O3 EAST V1 PORTLAND LSD 37 --/O3 EAST V1 ARLEIGH BURKE CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ARLEIGH BURKE DDG 51 AN1 EAST V2 BENFOLD DDG 65 AN1 WEST V2 CARNEY DDG 64 AN1 EAST V2 COLE DDG 67 AN1 EAST V2 CURTIS WILBUR DDG 54 AN1 WEST V2 DECATUR DDG 73 AN1 EAST V3 DONALD COOK DDG 75 AN1 EAST V3 FITZGERALD DDG 62 AN1 WEST V2 GONZALEZ DDG 66 AN1 EAST V2 HIGGINS DDG 76 AN1 WEST V3 HOPPER DDG 70 AN1 WEST V3 JOHN BARRY DDG 52 AN1 EAST V2 JOHN PAUL JONES DDG 53 AN1 WEST V2 JOHN S. MCCAIN DDG 56 AN1 WEST V2 LABOON DDG 58 AN1 EAST V2 MAHAN DDG 72 AN1 EAST V3 MCFAUL DDG 74 AN1 EAST V3 MILIUS DDG 69 AN1 WEST V3 MITSCHER DDG 57 AN1 EAST V2 PAUL HAMILTON DDG 60 AN1 WEST V2 PORTER DDG 78 AN1 EAST V3 RAMAGE DDG 61 AN1 EAST V2 ROSS DDG 71 AN1 EAST V3 RUSSELL DDG 59 AN1 WEST V2 STETHEM DDG 63 AN1 WEST V2 STOUT DDG 55 AN1 EAST V2 THE SULLIVANS DDG 68 AN1 EAST V3 AUSTIN CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant AUSTIN LPD 4 --/O3 EAST V1 CLEVELAND LPD 7 --/O3 WEST V1 DENVER LPD 9 --/O3 WEST V1 DUBUQUE LPD 8 --/O3 WEST V1 DULUTH LPD 6 --/O3 WEST V1 JUNEAU LPD 10 --/O3 WEST V1 NASHVILLE LPD 13 --/O3 EAST V1 OGDEN LPD 5 --/O3 WEST V1 PONCE LPD 15 --/O3 EAST V1 SHREVEPORT LPD 12 --/O3 EAST V1 TRENTON LPD 14 --/O3 EAST V1 AUXILIARY COMMAND SHIPS CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CORONADO AGF 11 --/O3 WEST V1 LASALLE AGF 3 --/O3 EAST V1 BLUE RIDGE CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant BLUE RIDGE LCC 19 AO1 WEST V3 MOUNT WHITNEY LCC 20 AO1 EAST V3 CALIFORNIA CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CALIFORNIA CGN 36 AO1 WEST V3 SOUTH CAROLINA CGN 37 O1/O3 EAST V3 ENTERPRISE CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ENTERPRISE CVN 65 N/A EAST V4 FAMOUS CUTTER(USCGC) CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant BEAR WMEC 901 AO1 N/A V2 CAMPBELL WMEC 909 AO1 N/A V2 ESCANABA WMEC 907 AO1 N/A V2 FORWARD WMEC 911 AO1 N/A V2 HARRIET LANE WMEC 903 AO1 N/A V2 LEGARE WMEC 912 AO1 N/A V2 MOHAWK WMEC 913 AO1 N/A V2 NORTHLAND WMEC 904 AO1 N/A V2 SENECA WMEC 906 AO1 N/A V2 SPENCER WMEC 905 AO1 N/A V2 TAHOMA WMEC 908 AO1 N/A V2 TAMPA WMEC 902 AO1 N/A V2 THETIS WMEC 910 AO1 N/A V2 HARPERS FERRY CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CARTER HALL LSD 50 A-- EAST V1 HARPERS FERRY LSD 49 A-- WEST V1 OAK HILL LSD 51 A-- EAST V1 PEARL HARBOR LSD 52 A-- EAST V1 INCHON CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant INCHON MCS 12 AO1 EAST V3 IWO JIMA CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant GUAM LPH 9 O1/O3 EAST V3 KIDD CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CHANDLER DDG 996 AO1 WEST V2 SCOTT DDG 995 AO1 EAST V3 KILAUEA CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant MOUNT HOOD AE 29 --/O3 WEST V1 SANTA BARBARA AE 28 --/O3 EAST V1 KITTY HAWK CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CONSTELLATION CV 64 N/A WEST V4 KITTY HAWK CV 63 N/A WEST V4 NIMITZ CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ABRAHAM LINCOLN CVN 72 N/A WEST V4 CARL VINSON CVN 70 N/A WEST V4 DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CVN 69 N/A EAST V4 GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN 73 N/A EAST V4 HARRY S. TRUMAN CVN 75 N/A EAST V4 JOHN C. STENNIS CVN 74 N/A WEST V4 NIMITZ CVN 68 N/A WEST V4 THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN 71 N/A EAST V4 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant BOONE FFG 28 AO1 EAST V2 CARR FFG 52 AO1 EAST V5 CLARK FFG 11 AO1 EAST V2 CROMMELIN FFG 37 AO1 WEST V2 CURTS FFG 38 AO1 WEST V2 DE WERT FFG 45 AO1 EAST V5 DOYLE FFG 39 AO1 EAST V2 ELROD FFG 55 AO1 EAST V5 ESTOCIN FFG 15 O1/O3 EAST V2 FORD FFG 54 AO1 WEST V5 GARY FFG 51 AO1 WEST V5 GEORGE PHILIP FFG 12 AO1 WEST V2 HALYBURTON FFG 40 AO1 EAST V5 HAWES FFG 53 AO1 EAST V5 INGRAHAM FFG 61 AO1 WEST V5 JARRETT FFG 33 AO1 WEST V2 JOHN A. MOORE FFG 19 AO1 WEST V2 JOHN L. HALL FFG 32 AO1 EAST V5 KAUFFMAN FFG 59 AO1 EAST V5 KLAKRING FFG 42 AO1 EAST V2 LEWIS B. PULLER FFG 23 AO1 WEST V2 MCCLUSKY FFG 41 AO1 WEST V2 MCINERNEY FFG 8 AO1 EAST V2 NICHOLAS FFG 47 AO1 EAST V5 REID FFG 30 O1/O3 WEST V2 RENTZ FFG 46 AO1 WEST V5 REUBEN JAMES FFG 57 AO1 WEST V5 ROBERT G. BRADLEY FFG 49 AO1 EAST V5 RODNEY M. DAVIS FFG 60 AO1 WEST V2 SAMUEL B. ROBERTS FFG 58 AO1 EAST V5 SAMUEL E. MORISON FFG 13 O1/O3 EAST V2 SIDES FFG 14 O1/O3 WEST V2 SIMPSON FFG 56 AO1 EAST V5 STARK FFG 31 AO1 EAST V2 STEPHEN W. GROVES FFG 29 AO1 EAST V5 TAYLOR FFG 50 AO1 EAST V5 THACH FFG 43 AO1 WEST V2 UNDERWOOD FFG 36 AO1 EAST V5 VANDEGRIFT FFG 48 AO1 WEST V5 WADSWORTH FFG 9 AO1 WEST V2 SACRAMENTO CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant CAMDEN AOE 2 AN1 WEST V3 DETROIT AOE 4 AO1 EAST V3 SACRAMENTO AOE 1 AO1 WEST V3 SEATTLE AOE 3 AO1 EAST V3 SPRUANCE CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ARTHUR W. RADFORD DD 968 AO1 EAST V2 BRISCOE DD 977 AN1 EAST V3 CARON DD 970 AO1 EAST V2 CONOLLY DD 979 AN1 EAST V3 CUSHING DD 985 AN1 WEST V3 DAVID R. RAY DD 971 AO1 WEST V2 DEYO DD 989 AN1 EAST V3 ELLIOT DD 967 AO1 WEST V2 FIFE DD 991 O1/O3 WEST V2 FLETCHER DD 992 AN1 WEST V3 HAYLER DD 997 AN1 EAST V3 HEWITT DD 966 AO1 WEST V2 INGERSOLL DD 990 O1/N3 WEST V2 JOHN HANCOCK DD 981 AO1 EAST V2 JOHN RODGERS DD 983 AN1 EAST V3 JOHN YOUNG DD 973 AN1 WEST V3 KINKAID DD 965 AO1 WEST V3 MOOSBRUGGER DD 980 AN1 EAST V3 NICHOLSON DD 982 AN1 EAST V3 O BANNON DD 987 AN1 EAST V3 O BRIEN DD 975 O1/O3 WEST V2 OLDENDORF DD 972 AN1 WEST V3 PAUL F. FOSTER DD 964 AN1 WEST V3 PETERSON DD 969 AN1 EAST V3 SPRUANCE DD 963 AN1 EAST V3 STUMP DD 978 AN1 EAST V3 THORN DD 988 AN1 EAST V3 SUPPLY CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ARCTIC AOE 8 AN1 EAST V3 BRIDGE AOE 10 AN1 WEST V3 RAINIER AOE 7 AN1 WEST V3 SUPPLY AOE 6 AN1 EAST V3 TARAWA CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant BELLEAU WOOD LHA 3 AO1 WEST V3 NASSAU LHA 4 AO1 EAST V3 PELELIU LHA 5 AO1 WEST V3 SAIPAN LHA 2 AO1 EAST V3 TARAWA LHA 1 AO1 WEST V3 TICONDEROGA CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ANTIETAM CG 54 AO1 WEST V3 ANZIO CG 68 AN1 EAST V3 BUNKER HILL CG 52 AO1 WEST V3 CAPE ST GEORGE CG 71 AN1 EAST V3 CHANCELLORSVILLE CG 62 AN1 WEST V3 CHOSIN CG 65 AN1 WEST V3 COWPENS CG 63 AN1 WEST V3 GETTYSBURG CG 64 AN1 EAST V3 HUE CITY CG 66 AN1 EAST V3 LAKE CHAMPLAIN CG 57 AO1 WEST V3 LAKE ERIE CG 70 AN1 WEST V3 LEYTE GULF CG 55 AO1 EAST V3 MOBILE BAY CG 53 AO1 WEST V3 MONTEREY CG 61 AN1 EAST V3 NORMANDY CG 60 AN1 EAST V3 PHILIPPINE SEA CG 58 AO1 EAST V3 PORT ROYAL CG 73 AN1 WEST V3 PRINCETON CG 59 AN1 WEST V3 SAN JACINTO CG 56 AO1 EAST V3 SHILOH CG 67 AN1 WEST V3 THOMAS S. GATES CG 51 AO1 EAST V3 TICONDEROGA CG 47 AO1 EAST V3 VALLEY FORGE CG 50 AO1 WEST V3 VELLA GULF CG 72 AN1 EAST V3 VICKSBURG CG 69 AN1 EAST V3 VINCENNES CG 49 AO1 WEST V3 YORKTOWN CG 48 AO1 EAST V3 WASP CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant BATAAN LHD 5 AN1 EAST V3 BONHOMME RICHARD LHD 6 AN1 EAST V3 BOXER LHD 4 AN1 WEST V3 ESSEX LHD 2 AN1 WEST V3 KEARSARGE LHD 3 AN1 EAST V3 WASP LHD 1 AN1 EAST V3 WHIDBEY ISLAND CLASS Ship Hull Configuration Coast Variant ASHLAND LSD 48 A-- EAST V1 COMSTOCK LSD 45 A-- WEST V1 FORT MCHENRY LSD 43 A-- WEST V1 GERMANTOWN LSD 42 --/O3 WEST V1 GUNSTON HALL LSD 44 A-- EAST V1 RUSHMORE LSD 47 A-- WEST V1 TORTUGA LSD 46 A-- EAST V1 WHIDBEY ISLAND LSD 41 A-- EAST V1