BAE Systems' advanced new radar that will equip Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots with the ability to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defense has been taken to the skies for the first time. This significant achievement saw the prototype of the European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) operated on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft in Lancashire, supported by the radar’s developer, Leonardo UK.
The flight is the latest step in the ongoing development program for the UK Typhoon fleet and strengthens the aircraft’s control of the airspace.
The ECRS Mk2 can perform traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as providing advanced electronic warfare capabilities making it an even more potent capability in NATO’s frontline fleet. 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.
"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", said Air Commodore Nick Lowe, Head Capability Delivery Combat Air and Typhoon Senior Responsible Officer, Royal Air Force.
"This is another landmark moment in this strategically important programme which will provide the RAF with battle-winning technology that gives them the edge to protect the nation. The ECRS Mk2 radar will further transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of the air and provide exceptional capability our adversaries will struggle to match", said Nick Moore, Typhoon Deputy Head Capability Acquisition at DE&S.
"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 into frontline combat aircraft such as Typhoon. Through this work we are directly supporting critical know-how and sustaining hundreds of highly-skilled jobs", said Andy Holden, Radar Delivery Director, BAE Systems.
"In parallel with the trials, the radar’s production design has also been progressing apace. The development of the ECRS Mk2 is fully using the UK’s world-class radar design skills. Over the past few months, its processor, receiver and antenna power supply and control 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", said Tim Bungey, Chief Engineer for ECRS Mk2, Leonardo UK.
The first flight follows a program of integration through ground-based testing delivered by a successful collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the RAF and industry.
The Typhoon program supports more than 21,000 highly skilled UK jobs and generates around £1.6bn annually for the UK economy. The work developing the ECRS Mk2 is securing 600 roles, including more than 300 at Leonardo's site in Edinburgh, 100 in Luton and 120 at BAE Systems in Lancashire.
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