Contributor - UK

David Donald

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 come available in 2029.
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 to ensure that the DASS remains interoperable with the 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 the Spear and Spear EW, which also contribute to the ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions.
Some of the 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 the new Striker II helmet to undergo test flights before the end of the year.
Eurofighter envisions a long service career for the Typhoon, with aircraft expected to remain in service until 2060 and beyond. A series of further modifications and upgrades form part of the Long Term Evolution roadmap.
New technologies to be installed include better datalinks and connectivity, which will allow the Typhoon to be fully networked with unmanned autonomous combat platforms that can accompany the fighter on complex missions. Greater interoperability will be possible with other force elements such as the F-35.
In the meantime, the Eurofighter consortium expects to shortly add more aircraft to the orderbook, which currently stands at 680 aircraft. Germany announced last month a further buy of 20 Tranche 5 aircraft for the Luftwaffe, while Italy is to order 24 new aircraft to replace its aging Tranche 1 machines. Spain plans to purchase another 25 Typhoons as the second phase of its Halcon acquisition.
Export prospects remain good, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia discussing a follow-on order of 48 to add to its initial purchase of 72. Turkey has also expressed strong interest in acquiring the type, a total of 40 having been mentioned, and the Typhoon is a strong contender for Poland’s air dominance fighter requirement.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

UK’s Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar Nears First Flight

The UK-specific Leonardo-led ECRS Mk2 radar program adds electronic attack functionality to the Typhoon’s radar

Leonardo UK and BAE Systems have completed ground testing of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 for the Typhoon, and it id due to fly in early August

UK’s Typhoon Radar Nears First Flight

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Chad Trautvetter

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Kerry Lynch

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results 

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Farnborough Airshow 2024

More In Aircraft

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

EBAA Releases EBACE Conference Details for Geneva Show

Three stages will include live discussions about aircraft operations, innovation, and business aviation news

Seaplane Industry Sets Course for Sustainable Revival

There’s no shortage of a need for aircraft that can take off and land on water, supporters say

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN