The latest prototype of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 has taken to the skies for the first time.
The new radar which will equip Royal Air Force pilots with the ability to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defences was 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.
The recent achievement marks a significant advancement in the continuous development programme for the UK Typhoon, enhancing the aircraft’s airspace management and equipping it with state-of-the-art electronic warfare capabilities. This upgrade will further solidify its role as a formidable component of NATO’s frontline fleet.
The radar and flight development was conducted under a contract granted by the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Typhoon delivery team, which sustains 600 jobs throughout the UK’s combat air sector, including over 300 positions at Leonardo’s facility in Edinburgh, 100 in Luton, and 120 at BAE Systems in Lancashire.
Air Commodore Nick Lowe Head Capability Delivery Combat Air and Typhoon Senior Responsible Officer, RAF 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.”
The ECRS Mk2 features an innovative multi-functional array (MFA) that can perform both traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks. This means that Eurofighter Typhoon will be able to locate and deny use of an adversary’s radar with a powerful electronic jamming attack, whilst staying beyond the reach of threats.
