AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

Air

Air Superiority

Spectrum Control provides components and assemblies for airborne, mission-critical RF and microwave applications. Our secure, rugged, and SWaP-optimized components support safety-critical avionics and communications, hypersonics, autonomous systems, aircraft sensors, electronic warfare systems, airborne radar, and more. Spectrum Control’s filtered connectors can meet standards for RITCA/DO-160 Level 4 lightening requirements and can withstand high voltage surges for airborne equipment.

Electronic Warfare

Controlling the battlefield begins with controlling the electromagnetic spectrum. Airborne electronic warfare is the linchpin to all electronic attack operations. Airborne EW requires SWaP-optimized components and systems capable of high power, high performance operation.

Spectrum Control is innovating with open system architectures, miniaturized components, modular solutions aligned to DoD MOSA standards and VPX form factors for adaptability  and ease of integration.

Representative applications

  • Embedded EW systems for 5th & 6th Gen fighters
  • Pod-mounted EW systems from up to 40 GHz
  • Towed and autonomous decoys & launched effects systems

MIL-COMM

Spectrum Control is a key manufacturer of military communications systems and RF components that are part of some of the highest priority, mission critical communications systems. We offer a broad catalogue of RF components, amplifiers, and Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs).  We have 50+ years of experience developing SAW filters,  oscillators, microelectronics, and EMI Solutions for radar, electronic warfare, SATCOM and surveillance.

Our footprint extends into multi-discipline and multiplatform systems such as JADC2 (Joint All-Domain Command and Control) and the Space Development Agency’s mesh network in LEO, Tranche 1, Space Transport Layer (STL).

 

Aircraft and Missiles

Advanced aircraft and missile systems require extreme precision, clarity and reliability from embedded RF and microelectronics components.

Spectrum Control has integrated key components and subassemblies on both legacy and next generation aircraft and missile systems. Whether it is the B-1, the B-52 or new JSF and Long Range Strike platforms, Spectrum Control is relied upon to supply critical components. Strategic and tactical missile systems such as Patriot,  JAGM, JASSM, Hydra, JDAM, JSOW, SM-2, Sidewinder,  Conventional Prompt Strike and Tomahawk include Spectrum Control components – all designed to withstand extreme temperature, shock, and acceleration parameters. Our expertise centers on vertically integrated solutions.  This enables efficient design, manufacture, integration and testing of all subassemblies, IMAs, and hybrid-packaged enclosures.

Representative platforms

  • Transport aircraft

  • Multi-role helicopters and Vertical Lift platforms

  • Bombers

  • Strike fighters

  • Unmanned Airborne Systems

  • Next Gen manned (NGAD) / cooperative combat aircraft (CCA)

Hypersonics

Hypersonic weapons and hypersonic defense is critical for next-generation emerging missile / missile-defense systems - where performance depends on getting a clean signal, free from intentional and unintentional interferers. Spectrum Control is experienced in high reliability and extreme environmental conditions including temperature extremes, radiation, shock, and vibration.

Our products protect, power, and process critical systems and infrastructure, ensuring protection from EMI with a range of EMI product offerings. We also provide solutions for management of noise and emissions, transients, and other undesired signal effects with products such as VCOs, SAW oscillators, and power amplifiers. Our products are designed to perform higher order processes on critical signals our modules and system products that include high-temp hybrids, programmable attenuators, and RF switching subsystems.

Surface Mount SiP
(System in a Package)
High Q SMT Filter

Miniaturization for

Next-Generation Air Superiority

Supporting 4th, 5th & 6th Gen Military Air Platforms

As the evolution of military air platforms accelerates—from legacy 4th generation fighters to 5th and emerging 6th generation systems—miniaturization has become a strategic enabler for mission success. At Spectrum Control, we specialize in developing high-performance, miniature RF and microelectronics components that meet the extreme demands of airborne defense applications.

The Growing Complexity of Airborne Systems

Modern air dominance platforms are increasingly reliant on a network of sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities—all of which must operate within confined airframe spaces and challenging environmental conditions.

Miniaturization directly supports:

  • Increased on-board functionality without redesigning airframes

  • Enhanced SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) performance

  • Reduced radar and thermal signatures

  • Greater payload flexibility for modular mission packages

 

Spectrum Control’s Miniaturization Capabilities

Our miniaturized RF and signal control solutions are engineered to meet:

  • Harsh environmental tolerances including shock, vibration, and temperature extremes

  • High-reliability requirements including 106 MTBF hours, and Groups A, B, C and D for mission-critical avionics.

  • Embedded system integration within LRU (Line Replaceable Units) and LRMs

Technologies Driving Miniaturization:

  • LTCC & Thin Film Packaging for multi-layered, embedded passives in reduced form factors

  • Surface-Mount EMI Filters with transient protection
    up to 250 Volts for avionics signal lines

  • Multi-Function Integrated Microwave Assemblies 
    (filters, amplifiers, switches) integrated into compact modules

  • Hermetically Sealed Components for high-altitude and pressurized environments

Tailored for Advanced Aircraft Generations

4th Gen Platforms (e.g., F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000)

  • Upgrades to legacy EW and radar systems with miniaturized drop-in modules

  • Enhanced reliability in aging airframes through compact replacements

5th Gen Platforms (e.g., F-35, J-20, Su-57)

  • Advanced RF components supporting sensor fusion, low-observable designs

  • Low-profile, rugged solutions compatible with stealth constraints

6th Gen / NGAD / FCAS / CCA / Tempest

  • Modular open systems architecture (MOSA)-ready subsystems

  • Enabling distributed aperture sensors and AI-driven signal control

  • Scalable miniaturized designs for collaborative uncrewed platforms and swarming assets

HI-REL

Spectrum Control capabilities go beyond the design and development of Mil Standard products for existing established reliability needs.  Emerging Mil Aero programs have requirements that far exceed military standards such as MIL-STD-790, MIL-PRF-38534/5, MIL-PRF-19500, and MIL-PRF 38534. 

At Spectrum Control, we design high reliability components and sub-assemblies across an expanded operating range – from  Standard / High to Extreme / Ultra High regions.  Our High Reliability capabilities cover all of our product families. 

Spectrum Control Product Families 

  • RF & EMI Components (EMI Filters, Connectors, Amplifiers.)
  • IMAs (Integrated Microwave Assemblies)
  • Miniature RF Transceivers and SIPs
  • High Speed Optical Transceivers
  • Power & RF Distribution
SAW Filters

Key Examples include

High Temp Electronics (Filters, Connectors, Amplifiers)

Ranges –

  • -55°C to 225+°C

Applications –

  • Missile Targeting Platforms like Patriot, PAC-3, SM2, SM3, SM6, AMRAAM, THAAD, AEGIS, SPY2, MEADS, ESSM, RAM, METEOR, HYDRA, ULTRA,

Ruggedized Electronics / Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs)

  • Vibration to Method 2007 and Method 2026
  • Acceleration G Forces under Methos 2001 to 5000 g’s.
  • MIL Temperatures from -55C to as high as sustained 225C
  • Dep Space Missions including Galileo, Cassini, Selene, Europa, Mars Phoenix, Mars Science Lab, Okina, and Exomars.

 

Optical Transceivers (Opto Extreme)

High Reliability Factors –

  • EMI / HIRF Immunity - Hi level of RF, Data & Cyber Security 
    • Galvanic Isolation – Non conductive paths reduce corrosion risks
    • Better tolerance to shock / vibe
    • Size/Weight – fiber is much thinner and lighter
    • High Data Throughput

Power & RF Distribution

High Rel / Ruggedized Solutions –

  • Exceeds Mil STD Design
  • Lower Power and Heat 
  • Remote / Secure Operation

Advancing to 6th GEN

Overview

Sixth-generation aircraft such as NGAD, CCA and F/A-XX will rely on a sophisticated suite of RF and microelectronics systems for stealth, situational awareness, ISR and electronic warfare. Spectrum Control delivers mission-critical components engineered for these domains, ensuring superior electromagnetic performance and seamless integration into low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) avionics.

Engineering for the Mission

Spectrum Control’s products are qualified to operate in extreme thermal, vibrational, and electromagnetic conditions. Our vertically integrated manufacturing and rapid prototyping allow for agile response to evolving defense needs while maintaining the stringent quality and reliability expectations of aerospace primes and government agencies.

Key Applications & Solutions

  • Electronic Warfare & Countermeasures

    • High-power, frequency-agile amplifiers for real-time jamming

    • Ultra-selective bandpass filters to isolate threat bands

    • Custom RF front-ends designed for cognitive EW adaptability

  • Radar & Sensor Front Ends

    • High-frequency oscillators and synthesizers for AESA radar

    • Low-phase-noise components for precision target tracking

    • Shielded microwave assemblies optimized for stealth operation

  • Secure Communications & Datalinks

    • Conformal antenna feed networks using low-profile components

    • RF conditioning modules supporting LPI/LPD waveforms

    • Broadband isolators and circulators for duplex operation in contested environments

  • MOSA & Platform Interoperability

    • Modular, upgradable architectures aligned with DoD open standards

    • SWaP-optimized designs for integration into multi-mission sensor arrays

    • Proven track record of performance in both manned and unmanned aerial systems