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Typhoon radar nears first flight amid broader upgrade efforts

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Typhoon radar nears first flight amid broader upgrade efforts
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Aviation International News | Aviation International News

Leonardo UK and BAE Systems have completed ground testing of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, and the active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar is due to be flown for the first time from BAE’s Warton flight test site “in a couple of weeks,” according to Ben Geal, Leonardo’s Mk2 campaign manager. A number of the radar’s modules have recently undergone re-engineering into production form, but their functions have already been tested and cleared ahead of the flight trials.

Developed by Leonardo at its UK sites in Edinburgh and Luton, initially to meet UK-only requirements, the Mk2 represents a significant advance over the ECRS Mk0 AESA radar first fitted to export Typhoons for Kuwait and Qatar. It features an electronic attack capability that permits the equipment to actively counter hostile radars during defense suppression operations.

The Mk2 radar is one of several developments undertaken across the quadrinational Typhoon program to ensure that the aircraft remains relevant, especially as the Typhoon moves toward the Phase 4 enhancements (P4e) update, expected to become available in 2029.

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Among them is the defensive aids sub-system (DASS), which is being updated with a digital processor offering improved speed and greater memory, and a digital receiver for better discrimination of threat emissions in complex threat sets. The system is also getting a bandwidth extension to provide a wider spectrum of coverage. A key element is ensuring that DASS remains interoperable with Typhoon's new AESA radars, be they Mk0, German/Spanish Mk1, or British Mk2.

P4e also includes a unified mission computer (UMC) that offers 300 times the power of the current system. New weapons capability includes Spear and Spear EW, which also contribute to conducting suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions.

Some P4e elements have already entered testing. The computer has flown in a BAE Systems trials Typhoon, along with improved DASS elements being test-flown on a trials aircraft operated by 2Excel. Plans call for new Striker II helmet test flights before year-end.

Eurofighter envisions a long service career for Typhoon, with aircraft expected to remain in service until 2060 and beyond. Further modifications and upgrades form part of its Long Term Evolution roadmap.

New technologies include better datalinks and connectivity allowing Typhoon full networking with unmanned autonomous combat platforms accompanying it on complex missions. Greater interoperability will be possible with other force elements such as F-35.

Meanwhile, Eurofighter consortium expects shortly adding more aircraft orders; currently standing at 680 aircraft. Germany announced last month further buy of 20 Tranche 5 aircraft for Luftwaffe while Italy plans ordering 24 new ones replacing aging Tranche 1 machines. Spain intends purchasing another 25 Typhoons under Halcon acquisition's second phase.

Export prospects remain good; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia discusses follow-on order adding 48 units initial purchase totaling 72 while Turkey expresses strong interest acquiring type mentioning total up-to-40 units making Typhoon strong contender Poland’s air dominance fighter requirement.

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