An advanced radar that enables RAF pilots to locate, identify, and suppress enemy air defences, has flight tested for the first time.
The latest prototype of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 was flown on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Lancashire at the end of last month.
The radar upgrade means Typhoon pilots will be able to locate and deny use of an adversary’s radar with an electronic jamming attack, while staying beyond the reach of threats.
The radar’s first test flight follows a program of integration and ground-based testing delivered by MoD Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the RAF, BAE Systems and the radar’s developer Leonardo.
Air Commodore Nick Lowe, head of capability delivery combat air and Typhoon senior responsible officer at the RAF said, “Evolution of Typhoon’s air combat capability is paramount to ensure Typhoon continues to deter potential aggressors, defend the nation and defeat adversaries wherever we need to fly and fight.
“This first flight of this ECRS Mk2 prototype new radar in the test aircraft is a positive step towards ensuring this.”
Andy Holden, radar delivery director, BAE Systems, said, “The development of Typhoon’s radar supports 600 jobs across the UK’s combat air industry. Programs 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.”
