The Quickdraw 2 Handheld GPS Interrogator (see the figure) from General Dynamics Mission Systems has completed electromagnetic-compatibility (EMC) testing and is now certified for use by the U.S. Navy aboard F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The compact electronic system is designed to quickly locate downed pilots and isolated military personnel using GPS-based location finding. The transceiver, which is part of the HOOK Combat Search and Rescue System, attaches via a single cable to an F-35’s intercom system without modifying the aircraft to transform it into a combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft. The QuickDraw2 transmits a message to the HOOK2 or HOOK3 combat survival radio carried by a survivor on the ground which then automatically responds with the HOOK radio’s GPS location.
The Quickdraw 2 (see the figure) is the latest version of a family of search and rescue devices in service for more than 20 years and currently used by more than 41 nations including NATO and all branches of the U.S. military. Ryan Orth, vice-president of RF Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems, says: “Time is one of the most critical factors during a Combat Search and Rescue mission, and the Quickdraw 2 provides the Navy with the flexibility to quickly turn any F-35 into a CSAR aircraft. Unlike interrogators that are built into the aircraft, the Quickdraw2’s plug-and-play capability enables it to be easily moved from aircraft to aircraft as missions change, resulting in significant time and cost savings.”