Compass Call

Compass Call is a research and development effort within the Air Force's Operational Systems Development budget activity. The program's specific goal is to enhance the Airborne Electromagnetic Attack (AEA) Command and Control Warfare/Information Operations (C2W/IO) capabilities of the Compass Call weapon system. This includes interrupting adversary use of the electromagnetic battlespace and addressing current ground and airborne threats through surgical denial and disruption of adversary Radio Frequency (RF) communications, radar, and sensor systems. The program focuses on trade studies, system upgrades, test activities, and the development of Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRCs) to ensure continuous modernization and adaptation to emerging technologies.

The program's objectives include the development of upgraded Prime Mission Equipment (PME) baselines, subsystem upgrades, and platform enhancements to stay ahead of emerging adversary tactics and technologies. This involves expanding frequency coverage, advancing military and commercial communications offensive capabilities, integrating future capabilities into the platform, updating PME infrastructure, and implementing agile software development. Additionally, the program supports innovation activities such as studies, analyses, requirements definition, and QRC prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition and future acquisition programs. The acquisition strategy emphasizes rapid development and acquisition processes to support a Baseline upgrade strategy while continuously revising user needs and technology insertion opportunities. The program is managed by the 645th Aeronautical System Group with cradle-to-grave lifecycle management responsibility for Compass Call.