U.S. Air Force Tests Angry Kitten Cognitive EW Pod on C-130 for Advanced Electronic Warfare

The U.S. Air Force is expanding its electronic warfare capabilities by testing the Angry Kitten electronic warfare (EW) pod on larger aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules. Developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the pod has already been successfully tested on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the MQ-9 Reaper drone. Now, its integration with the C-130 marks a significant step in enhancing EW protection for aircraft with larger radar cross-sections that traditionally lack robust electronic defenses.

Advanced EW Capabilities with Machine Learning

Unlike conventional EW systems that require pre-programmed responses and human intervention, the Angry Kitten pod utilizes machine-learning algorithms to identify, analyze, and counter enemy radar and electronic threats in real time. It can automatically adapt to unknown and emerging threats, making it a powerful tool for modern warfare scenarios.

The system incorporates commercial electronics, custom hardware, and advanced software, allowing it to deploy tailored jamming and spoofing techniques against hostile radars and communication systems. This adaptability is a major leap forward in electronic warfare technology.

C-130 Testing: Real-Time Adjustments in Flight

Tests on the C-130 combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft have shown promising results, with engineers able to update jamming techniques in real time during flight. Unlike previous F-16 tests that used pre-programmed mission data, the C-130 tests featured live updates to countermeasure techniques, making the aircraft’s defenses far more dynamic and effective.

To integrate the system onto the C-130, the Air Force used the Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (SABIR) arm, mounted on the paratrooper’s door. This bolt-on modular system, developed by Airdyne, allows for quick reconfiguration of aircraft for different mission payloads, enhancing flexibility in deployment.

Next-Generation Angry Kitten: Inc 2 Block 2

The U.S. Air Force is also working on an upgraded version of the Angry Kitten, unofficially called “Angry Kitten Inc 2 Block 2”. This next-generation system will feature:

• A transition from analog to digital receivers for improved sensitivity and frequency agility.
• A more compact design, consolidating multiple line-replaceable units (LRUs) into a single unit, freeing up space for additional capabilities.
• Enhanced jamming and spoofing techniques for better countermeasure effectiveness against evolving threats.

Key Specifications of the Angry Kitten EW Pod

• Role: Cognitive electronic warfare and jamming system
• Technology: Machine-learning-based real-time adaptation
• Functions: Radar jamming, electronic spoofing, threat identification
• Integration: Tested on F-16, MQ-9, and C-130 (future testing planned for KC-46 and KC-135)
• Deployment System: Compatible with SABIR arm for flexible mission payload integration

With these advancements, the Angry Kitten EW pod is proving to be a game-changer in airborne electronic warfare. Its ability to detect, adapt, and counter threats autonomously is setting the stage for next-generation battlefield dominance, ensuring that U.S. military aircraft remain protected in increasingly contested environments.