New electronic warfare radar takes to the skies

An advanced new radar to equip Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots with the ability to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defences has flown 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 at BAE Systems in Lancashire, supported by the radar’s developer, Leonardo UK.

The work for the project took place at Warton.

The flight is the latest step in the ongoing development programme 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.

Air Commodore Nick Lowe, head of capability Delivery Combat Air and Typhoon senior responsible officer, RAF, said: "Evolution of Typhoon’s air combat capability is paramount to ensure it 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."

Andy Holden, radar delivery director, BAE Systems, said: “The development of Typhoon’s radar supports 600 jobs across the UK’s combat air industry.

"Programmes 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’re directly supporting critical know-how and sustaining hundreds of highly-skilled jobs.”

Tim Bungey, chief engineer for ECRS Mk2, Leonardo UK, said: “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.”

The first flight follows a programme of integration through ground-based testing delivered by a successful collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support, the RAF and industry.

The Typhoon programme employs 6,500 people across Lancashire.