Mellori Solutions launches portable RF testing system

Nowra-based defence company Mellori Solutions has unveiled Blue Jay Mobile, a portable and versatile Radio Frequency (RF) through-air testing and training system that the company says can simulate real-world electromagnetic conditions to better prepare operators for dynamic operational environments.

Blue Jay Mobile provides guaranteed baseline testing across the full 500 MHz to 40 GHz spectrum as standard, says Mellori, including frequency ranges often impacted by natural atmospheric absorption. It is also configurable, enabling operation across a wide range of frequency bands to support various applications.

Following field trials, Blue Jay Mobile is now available to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and allied partners with a uniquely adaptable system tailored to the growing demands of modern-day Electromagnetic Warfare (EW). EW has been named as a capability priority in AUKUS Pillar 2.

Mellori Solutions Managing Director Phil Guy said the Blue Jay Mobile system introduced unprecedented flexibility for on-site RF testing and could be configured to meet diverse operational requirements.

Named after the Blue Jay bird for its remarkable ability to mimic sounds, this system replicates complex electromagnetic signals, providing a powerful new tool for training and mission assurance in RF-intensive contexts.

Mellori Solutions’ Chief Engineer Dan Peabody, an EW specialist with 25 years’ experience in the field, coordinated the system’s development.

“Blue Jay Mobile sets itself apart for its specialised RF testing capabilities, enabling operators to conduct comprehensive testing of EW systems with ease,” said Peabody.

“Unlike bulky and heavy RF testing systems that are difficult to reposition quickly, Blue Jay Mobile is lightweight, highly portable and easy to deploy. This makes it the ideal solution for dynamic testing, such as ensuring sensor performance on ships at sea, where operational needs demand rapid, accurate validation.”

The system logs and benchmarks data from previous test missions, allowing operators to easily recall past test configurations and parametric information.

“This logging feature is essential for platforms operating in challenging environments, where consistent sensor performance is crucial to ensuring self-defence systems remain fully functional and operators remain confident of its accuracy and timely delivery of electromagnetic data,” Guy said.

The system can be rapidly deployed and set up in under 15 minutes. Its modular design allows Blue Jay-M to be divided into subsystems, making it highly transportable, even when travelling on commercial flights.