36th EWS conceptualize Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods program

Late last year the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron traveled to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and met with Air Combat Command to discuss efforts to sustain the service life of Electronic Attack Pods, increase the availability of parts for essential repairs across the Air Force and ensure the warfighter has continued electronic warfare capabilities across multiple areas of responsibility.

Ten Airmen assigned to the 36th EWS used their skills and ingenuity to conceptualize the Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods, or REAP, program for ALQ-184 and ALQ-131 Electronic Attack Pods.

The EA Pods are external electronic countermeasure systems used on both the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10C Thunderbolt II platforms. These aircraft rolled off the assembly line nearly 50 years ago, and through upgrades of engines and equipment, these airframes continue to provide combatant commanders with a variety of capabilities in contested airspace to deliver the fight to our adversaries.

The pods use the Electromagnetic Spectrum to jam, deny, and deceive enemy radar systems to effectively protect aircraft from radar guided missiles. These systems are instrumental to aircraft survivability in a contested airspace and will become increasingly important for conflicts with a near-peer adversaries.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Joel T. Schlim, 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron technician, removes a water-fill port tube on a AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Attack Pod for the Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods (REAP) Program at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, September 15, 2022. The REAP program involves two goals; first, to provide diagnostic capabilities for assets received from reclaimed ALQ- AN/ALQ-184 Pods and second; to provide the U.S. Air Force the most cost-effective solution to introduce assets back into supply to sustain the fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ericka A. Woolever) — Airman 1st class Joel T. Schlim, 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron technician, removes a water-fill port tube on a AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Attack Pod for the Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods program at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 15, 2022. The program involves two goals; first, to provide diagnostic capabilities for assets received from reclaimed ALQ- AN/ALQ-184 Pods and second; to provide the U.S. Air Force the most cost-effective solution to introduce assets back into supply to sustain the fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ericka A. Woolever)

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