An upgraded radar for RAF Typhoon fighter jets has been fitted to a test aircraft ahead of flight trials.
The European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 radar is being developed by Leonardo UK and integrated on to Typhoon by BAE Systems.
The ECRS is multi-functional array (MFA) radar that can perform both traditional functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks.
The upgrade means that Eurofighter Typhoon will be able to locate and deny use of an adversary’s radar with electronic jamming, while staying beyond the reach of threats.
A prototype of the ECRS has been undergoing ground-based testing in a test facility at BAE Systems’ site in Warton, Lancashire in recent months before being fitted on to BS116, a UK test and evaluation aircraft.
Andy Holden, radar delivery director, BAE Systems’ Air sector said, “Equipping the aircraft with this prototype radar moves us a step closer to delivering new capability which ensures Typhoon’s role as the backbone of combat air defense for decades to come.
“We expect that this year we will be flight testing the radar which will allow us to validate the ground-based testing we have undertaken at our Integrated Test Facility, the only facility of its kind on the UK.
“The Integrated Test Facility testing allowed us to fly the radar for hundreds of hours without the need to put a jet in the air, ensuring our flight test program is as efficient as possible and delivers what our customer needs.”
The radar is undergooing further integration work inside the Typhoon final assembly hangar at Warton. Ross Wilson, vice president of engineering, radar and advanced targeting, Leonardo UK said, “In parallel with the integration work on the prototype system as it approaches flight testing, the ECRS Mk2 production design has also been progressing apace.
“The radar’s Processor, Receiver, and Antenna Power Supply & Control units have all been re-engineered to further enhance the capacity, capability, and performance of the Mk2 system in alignment with the new antenna and electronic warfare capability.
“These production designs have all passed their critical design review phases, keeping the production programme on schedule.”
