ECRS Mk1
Eurofighter Common Radar System
The challenge
The combat aircraft Eurofighter Typhoon is considered the backbone of many air forces in Europe and the Middle East.
In order to provide longevity and to ensure that the Typhoon aircraft will continue to be a force multiplier, the fighter is receiving capability upgrades, including the introduction of a new radar system.
Eurofighter aircrafts previously relied on the mechanically-scanned (M-Scan) fire control radar technology. However, latest developments in the performance and scalability of electronically-scanned radars have led to the utilisation of this AESA (active electronically-scanned array) technology now being able to be implemented into the fighter.
Our solution
In partnership with Indra, HENSOLDT is developing an enhanced e-scan radar for the Eurofighter Typhoon, based on elements of the Captor-E/Mk0.
Core features are a new multi-channel receiver and new broadband transmit-receive modules (TRM), which provide improved radar functions as well as extended electronic warfare capabilities. The main focuses in the radar domain are a more precise target recognition and classification, higher agility and further improved electronic protection measures (EPM).
Electronic warfare functions cover both new electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic attack capabilities (EA) extending the Typhoon’s main sensor from a classic fighter radar to a true multi-functional system.
The Eurofighter’s nose is larger than that of all comparable fighters, which means that the antenna is much larger and consequently more powerful than that of competing aircraft. This, together with the ability to mechanically rotate the antenna with a larger angle of view, increases both the detection area and the field of view in comparison with other AESA radar systems.
Features and benefits
Features
- +/- 90° field of view
- Very high frequency agility
- New digital waveforms
- Faster detection and tracking of multiple targets
- Improved tracking performance
- Increased detection of weak signals
- Extended missile guidance
- Ultra-high resolution SAR imagery
- Air-to-ground modes including GMTI and STAP
- Adapted electronic support and electronic attack functions
Benefits
- 50% higher angular coverage than traditional AESA radars
- Broad bandwidth
- Superior detection capabilities
- Very high detection performance even in strong clutter and interference environment
- Installation possible in all Eurofighter Typhoon from Tranche 2 upwards
- Embedded EW functions
- Upgrade path for new functions
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