British Typhoon test jet trials powerful new radar

22 July 2024

21 1 minute read

Abone Ol

Ground-based testing of the new European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft has been completed, according to the Royal Air Force.

The testing was carried out at BAE Systems’ flight testing facility in Warton, Lancashire, with support from Leonardo UK, which developed the radar at its Edinburgh and Luton sites.

The process included electromagnetic testing in an anechoic chamber.

Group Captain D’Aubyn, Typhoon Programme Director at the RAF, commented, “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 radar, procured by the UK Ministry of Defence’s agency Defence Equipment and Support, is intended to support RAF operations in challenging environments. The radar aims to enhance pilots’ capabilities by providing high-powered jamming to suppress enemy air defences and engaging targets from a distance.

The ECRS Mk2 radar is a significant upgrade from the earlier Captor-M radar systems.

In a statement last year, DE&S said:

“ECRS Mk 2 radar will further transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.

It will support operations in the most challenging situations, equipping pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the reach of threats. This will cement Typhoon aircraft as the backbone of combat air capability defending UK at home and abroad for decades to come. The radar will now undergo integration work and ground-based testing in preparation for first flights on-board the Eurofighter Typhoon next year.”

Will anyone else use it?

The radar will be integrated into at least 40 aircraft, with potential for up to 160 aircraft depending on decisions by the UK and Germany.

United Kingdom

40 radars are on order for the modernisation of the Tranche 3 aircraft.
Potential order for Tranche 2 aircraft could include up to 67 additional radars.

Germany

The German Air Force is discussing a shift from the Mk1 variant to the Mk2 for the 15 (up to 30) Eurofighter ECR, which might involve new or existing aircraft.
Discussions are also underway to shift from the Mk1 variant to the Mk2 for the Tranche 4 “Quadriga.”