A ground-based testing programme has been completed on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft equipped with the new European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar in preparation for flight trials.
The engineers at BAE Systems’ flight testing facility in Warton, Lancashire conducted the work, with support from teams at Leonardo UK. The radar was developed at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh and Luton sites, and electromagnetic testing was carried out in a unique anechoic chamber.
The radar, which was contracted for by the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement agency Defence Equipment and Support, will support RAF operations in the most challenging situations. It will equip pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage targets beyond the reach of threats.
Group Captain Matt D’Aubyn, Typhoon Programme Director, RAF said “Embodiment of this prototype new radar into the test aircraft is a positive step on the continuous evolution of Typhoon’s control of the air capabilities, maintaining its sovereign Freedom of Action and preserving its technological advantage.”
The ECRS Mk2 features an innovative multi-functional array (MFA) that can perform both traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks. This means that Eurofighter Typhoon will be able to locate and deny use of an adversary’s radar with a powerful electronic jamming attack, whilst staying beyond the reach of threats.
