Course Details
Unlocking DRFM: An Introduction to the Technology Driving Today’s EW Systems| AOC 2026 Pre-Convention Course
Course Dates: December 7, 2026 | 1 – 5 PM
Course Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745
Course Length: 4 hours total delivered across one course
Description: This course introduces Digital RF Memory (DRFM) – the technology that transformed modern electronic warfare – and explains why it is indispensable today. Through brief discussions on sampling theory, signal coherency, and realism, attendees will see how DRFMs create convincing electronic effects. The course also looks back in contrast at how EW systems operated before DRFMs, while it also explores the latest innovations driving next-generation DRFM capabilities.
Audience: This course is designed for technical professionals who are new to EW or have had limited exposure to DRFM technology. While the material is moderately technical, the instructor uses a wide range of visual illustrations to make key concepts clear and accessible.
Questions related to the pre-convention course and/or its content can be directed to [email protected].
This course will be held before AOC 2026 Convention & Symposium at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Course registrants must also be registered for AOC 2026.
Learning Objectives
- Outcome 1: Why DRFMs and related technologies are so crucial to modern EW systems’ successes
- Outcome 2: The basic design of DRFMs
- Outcome 3: The crucial technologies utilized in DRFM development
Registration
Registration will open this summer. The course can be added when registering for AOC 2026.
Questions related to pre-con registration can be directed to Samantha Kim, Professional Development Coordinator, at [email protected].
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AOC Professional Development On-Site Event Cancellation Policy
To cancel a pre-convention course or on-site event registration, submit a written request at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled event via email to [email protected]. Phone cancellations are not accepted. Cancellations received less than two (2) weeks prior to the event will not receive a refund.
- Approved, requested refunds will be issued minus a $100 administrative fee.
- If the registration fee includes materials (e.g., textbooks, printed content) that were pre-purchased or developed before the event, registrants will be invoiced for these items that will include the cost of the material (s), shipping, taxes, and any customs fees, if applicable. Once paid in full, materials will be shipped. Payment must be received within 14 days of the date when the invoice is sent. Invoices not paid within the 14-day window will be subject to additional late fees.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the event or for no-shows.
- If a registered attendee is having trouble obtaining a visa, a written notification must be sent no less than 30 days prior to the course/on-site event to [email protected]. Refunds related to visa obtainment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Instructor
Kevin Stilwell brings more than 40 years of experience in the electronic warfare (EW) domain. Throughout his career, he has worked both within and in close collaboration with the Electronic Warfare Avionics Integration Support Facility (EWAISF) at Robins Air Force Base. His extensive background includes roles as a systems and software engineer on multiple U.S. Air Force EW systems, including the ALQ-99, ALE-47, ALR-69, ALQ-172, and the ALQ-161.
Stilwell has served as the principal architect for mission planning software suites across three EW systems and has led the architecture and development of two radar simulators and one radar emulator. More recently, he served as a technical advisor to the EWAISF Test and Evaluation (T&E) team, where he led efforts in applying high-fidelity closed-loop radar models and integrated air defense system (IADS) emulations to support the testing of 25 operational and experimental EW systems/subsystems.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Mercer University.
Stilwell is currently a Senior Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he is involved in ongoing weapon and EW system developments.
