The latest prototype of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 has been flown on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Lancashire, supported by the radar’s developer, Leonardo UK.
In a statement, Air Commodore Nick Lowe, head capability delivery combat air and Typhoon senior responsible officer, Royal Air Force said: "Evolution of Typhoon’s air combat capability is paramount to ensure Typhoon continues to deter potential aggressors, defend our nation and defeat our adversaries wherever we need to fly and fight, whether for the UK or in our staunch support to the NATO alliance. This first flight of this ECRS Mk2 prototype new radar in the test aircraft is a positive step towards ensuring this."
According to BAE Systems, the ECRS Mk2 can perform traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as providing advanced electronic warfare capabilities. This will enable Typhoons to locate and deny use of an adversary’s radar with a powerful electronic jamming attack, whilst staying beyond the reach of threats.
Tim Bungey, chief engineer for ECRS Mk2 at Leonardo UK, said that in parallel with the trials, the radar’s production design has also been progressing.
“The development of the ECRS Mk2 is fully utilising the UK’s world-class radar design skills. Over the past few months, its Processor, Receiver, and Antenna Power Supply and Control (APSC) units have all been re-engineered from the prototype design to further enhance the capacity, capability, and performance of the Mk2 system in alignment with the new antenna and electronic warfare capability.”
Development of the radar and flight took place under a contract awarded by DE&S Typhoon delivery team which supports 600 jobs across the UK’s combat air industry including over 300 at Leonardo’s site in Edinburgh, 100 in Luton and 120 at BAE Systems in Lancashire.
The first flight follows a programme of integration, ground-based testing delivered through a successful collaboration between MoD DE&S, RAF, Leonardo UK and BAE Systems.
Andy Holden, radar delivery director at BAE Systems, said: “Programmes such as the ECRS Mk2 ensure the UK retains a sovereign capability to develop and integrate cutting edge systems in to frontline combat aircraft such as Typhoon. Through this work we are directly supporting critical know-how and sustaining hundreds of highly-skilled jobs.”
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