Eurofighter Radar Mk1 Receives Subsystem Upgrade
Hensoldt and Indra have successfully completed the production of the first Eurofighter ECRS Mk1 radar units, incorporating advanced Processor and Antenna Power Supply & Control (APSC) subsystems. This significant achievement was accomplished in under 13 months, with the early units now progressing through rigorous qualification and flight testing phases at Germany’s ATRA Flying Testbed.
The upgraded radar hardware boasts enhanced capabilities, allowing for swift mode switching, real-time mission adaptability, and future support for autonomous and AI-assisted operations. With a new processor architecture, the system’s computing power is significantly improved, enabling advanced signal processing techniques. Planned software updates will further enhance the ECRS Mk1’s versatility, extending its operational scope to include air-to-ground missions and electronic warfare, ultimately decreasing pilot workload and boosting the overall performance of the system.
The System
The ECRS Mk1 radar is designed with a multi-channel receiver and broadband transmit-receive modules that provide exceptional target recognition accuracy and a rapid response rate. It is well-equipped for sophisticated air-to-air engagements as well as high-resolution air-to-ground imaging. Additionally, it supports both passive and active electronic warfare missions, showcasing its versatility.
One of the most impressive features of the ECRS Mk1 is its increased angular coverage, offering 50 percent more than traditional fixed AESA radars. This expanded capability enables the radar to detect and track targets over a larger area without necessitating alterations in the aircraft’s flight path. The system has already reached key developmental milestones, including a successful test flight in December 2024, when a Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon first flew with the ECRS E-Scan radar. Furthermore, both Germany and Spain gave their approval in April 2024 for the integration of the upgraded APSC subsystems for the ECRS Mk1.
