Research and analysis from Flightglobal Insight

FIGHTER RADARS
SPECIAL REPORT

2010

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Raytheon AESA
Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar

The greatest revolution in Radar since radar.

Day and night, Raytheons proven multi-mode, multi-platform AESA technology can simultaneously guide multiple weapons to multiple targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation and range, with unprecedented precision. It provides todays aircraft with a revolutionary level of situational awareness and the vast operational advantages that go with it.

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FOREWORD

elcome to Flightglobal Insights Fighter Radars Special Report 2010, brought to you in association with Raytheon. Prepared using data from Flightglobals MiliCAS database, plus information gathered by Flight International journalists and material from manufacturers product data, the report provides an overview of one of the most vital elements of a new-generation combat aircraft: the fire control radar. Avionics equipment typically accounts for around one-third of the total purchase cost of a new fighter, and with budget pressures currently being felt more acutely than ever by many, buyers are demanding greater capability, improved reliability and reduced operating costs from such systems. In the fighter radar business area, the recent rise of active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology offers the potential to satisfy such demands. Comprising hundreds of transmit/receive (T/R) modules, each acting like individual radars, the AESA holds the promise of delivering improved performance, but with minimum maintenance demands. Such sensors could last for the entire service life of a fighter, with the small percentage of individual modules that will fail over this time to have no or little effect on overall system performance: a trait referred to as graceful degradation. Crucially, industry officials now believe that AESA technology has reached a point where systems can cost the same to manufacture as a mechanically-scanned array; the benchmark for fighter radar design for the last several decades. Perhaps more importantly than their support benefits, active, or E-scan arrays also offer operational advantages, by delivering increased detection range and more agile beam-forming, which reduces the risk of a host platform being identified when using its primary sensor. Once combined with new-generation beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles, an AESA system could be a true battle winner, by delivering a vital look first, shoot first capability. But with air-to-air engagements having become extremely rare in todays operational environment, further advantages must be offered. Ground mapping is already possible using an AESA, and emerging developments could also see such devices used for applications such as jamming other radars and performing electronic attacks. Such multifunction capability has a clear attraction for cash-strapped air forces looking to get the most out of their small fleets of combat aircraft. Accordingly, E-scan systems have swiftly moved from being an expensive market fad to a must-have item for fighter manufacturers keen to secure hard-fought orders on the global stage. More innovation is also emerging, such as Selex Galileos work to increase the area of regard delivered by a fixed AESA through the use of a so-called swashplate repositioner. Having already drawn interest from airframers including Saab and the Eurofighter consortium, this advance could also be considered by other radar manufacturers over the coming years. As T/R modules become more readily available and less expensive to manufacture, nations may also opt to add active arrays to some fighter types already in established use. With some models, such as early Block-number Lockheed Martin F-16s, having at least 20 years of life left in them, radar suppliers are now offering AESA designs as drop-fit replacements for outdated avionics. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman are already going head-to-head for potential business, but face competition from Israeli suppliers and others. This report focuses on products currently available or being developed by Western and Russian manufacturers. It excludes radar technologies being pursued by China, which will become an increasingly credible force in the fighter arena, including as an export player, during the coming decade. Types such as Russias developmental PAK-FA and Chinas planned Chengdu J-12 could well present near peer rivals for Western designs such as the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter during this time, and place even greater importance on investment in radar technology.

CRAIG HOYLE: DEFENCE EDITOR, FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL ANTOINE FAFARD: ANALYST, FLIGHTGLOBAL INSIGHT
Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 3

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

Content
Flightglobal Insight is the research division of Flightglobal, the worlds longest established aviation publishing group. This special report is published by Flightglobal Insight and brought to you in association with Raytheon.

Fighter radar technology

Systems, Euroradar, Northrop Grumman, Phazotron, Raytheon, Selex Galileo, Thales and Tikhomirov NIIP.

Overview of the key fighter radars in production incorporating detailed manufacturer profiles for Elbit Systems, Elta

New build ghters

Fighter aircraft in production with comprehensive fleet analysis, aircraft profiles including specifications and associated radar technology. Also featured in this section is a selection of general arrangements and cutaways from Flightglobals unique image library. Aircraft include: Eurofighter, F-15E, F-16, F/A-18E/F, F-22, F-35, Gripen, Mig-35, Rafale, Su-30 and Su-35.

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Fighter radar upgrades

Detailed information on radar upgrades for fighter aircraft.

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With access to a wealth of information from Flightglobals premium services portfolio and industry expertise, Flightglobal Insight publishes special reports and tailored analysis covering numerous sectors of the aerospace industry.
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The Ultimate Military Aircraft Information System

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Developed to be the worlds most powerful market information source for military fixed-wing aircraft. MiliCAS covers military aircraft world wide from primary trainers to fighters, bombers and transports,including civil aircraft in a military role. MiliCAS is updated monthly by CD, with a link to the web-site for the latest orders information.

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

Fighter radar technology

Evolution of the fighter aircraft spans four generations, beginning with the first generation focus on aircraft manoeuvrability, followed by a second generation with the spotlight on speed and the subsequent advancement of aircraft engine technology. The next generation saw attention shift to airborne weaponry and the development of missiles, we currently see the main focus firmly on radar technology. The 1960s saw the introduction of the first generation radar, a mechanically scanned radar equipped with a single X-Band transmitter. The scanning movement of traditional mechanical radars limited the frequency of target updates the pilot could receive and technological advances saw the emergence of a second generation - active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology which has now become the industry benchmark. In fact AESA radars have the potential of jamming other X-Band fighter radars and this technology also opens the future possibility of electronic attacks. AESA radars are composed of small solid-state transmit/receive modules where each module acts like a small individual radar. Raytheon designed, built and installed the first production AESA on a F-15C with the AN/APG-63(V)2 which was operationally fielded December 2000 in Alaska.

Northrop Grumman

AESA radars can send multiple beams simultaneously using a search while track mode. As well as having the ability to track many targets while searching the airspace, AESAs can produce radar maps of the ground using Synthetic Aperture Radar technology. The third main feature of AESA radars is the Ground Moving Target Indication mode. As opposed to mechanically scanned radars, AESA radars are normally fixed, but manufacturer Selex Galileo has recently tested a swashplate model. Northrop and Raytheon primarily compete for sales in the fighter market for AESA technology, but the two firms also collaborate on wide area surveillance radars, such as the multi-platform radar technology insertion programme sensor under development for the unmanned Northrop RQ-4 Global Hawk. It has become essential for new build fighters to be equipped with active electronically scanned array radar technology. Bob Mason, vice-president marketing and sales for Selex Galileo, recently told Flightglobal that it was crucial for the Eurofighter Typhoon to upgrade with an E-scan radar for the export market. In the future, AESA radars will increasingly be relied on to provide versatility and speed, as well as much greater range, resolution and reliability for carrying out a multitude of searching, mapping and targeting missions.
Northrop Grumman Raytheon

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 7

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

CURRENT PRODUCTION FIGHTER RADARS FOR WESTERN BUILT AIRCRAFT TYPES Radar model Radar manufacturer Aircraft manufacturer AN/APG-63(V)1* Raytheon Boeing AN/APG-63(V)2 Raytheon Boeing AN/APG-63(V)3 Raytheon Boeing AN/APG-68(V)9* Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin AN/APG-77 Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin/Boeing AN/APG-79 Raytheon Boeing AN/APG-80 Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin AN/APG-81 Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin AN/APG-82(V)1 Raytheon Boeing Captor* Euroradar Eurofighter Irbis-E Tikhomirov NIIP Sukhoi N011M Bars Tikhomirov NIIP Sukhoi PS-05/A* Ericsson Saab RACR Raytheon Multiple RBE2 Thales Dassault SABR Northrop Grumman Multiple Zhuk-AE Phazotron RSK MiG * mechanically scanned radar

Aircraft type F-15 F-15C F-15 F-16 F-22 Raptor F/A-18E/F Super Hornet F-16 Fighting Falcon F-35 Lightning II F-15E Strike Eagle Typhoon Su-30MKI Su-35BM JAS 39 Gripen Multiple Rafale Multiple MiG-35

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8 | Flightglobal Insight | Fighter Radars Special Report 2010

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

ELBIT SYSTEMS
Elbit Systems is a defence electronics manufacturer and systems integrator. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit has over 10,000 employees. Elbit has earned international recognition in the aircraft upgrade market on types including the F-4, F-5, F-16, IAR-99, L-39, MiG-21 and Su-25.

Elbit Systems Advanced Technology Center, Haifa 31053, Israel Tel: +972 4 831 6404 Fax: +972 4 831 6944 Web: www.elbitsystems.com

Elbit Systems

ELTA SYSTEMS
Elta Systems is a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. Elta products are designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, Airborne Early Warning & Control, Homeland Security, Self-Protection and Self-Defence, and fire control applications. The EL/M-2032 radar was designed for multimission fighters, oriented for both air-to-air and surface strike missions. IAI is currently installing the sensor on secondhand Kfir fighters for the Colombian air force. The EL/M-2052 is an AESA radar which offers air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea operating modes.

Elta Systems

South Korea has selected the EL/M-2032 for the F/A-50 light attack and trainer jet, which is produced by Korea Aerospace Industries in partnership with Lockheed Martin. The United States is against promotion of Israeli AESA radars for products that are competing with US aircraft because they contain American technologies.
Elta Systems Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Ben-Gurion International Airport, 70100, Israel Tel: +972 3 935 3343 Fax: +972 3 935 8278 Web: www.iai.co.il

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

EURORADAR
The Euroradar consortium consists of Selex Galileo, EADS Defence & Security and Indra. Euroradars Captor is a mechanically scanned radar which is still used on the Eurofighter Typhoon. Selex produces over 50% of the Captor system. EADS conducted test flights with the Euroradar Caesar active array using a Eurofighter development aircraft in 2007, and Selex has also previously supplied AESA systems to the UK Ministry of Defence for evaluation in fast jet types such as the Panavia Tornado. Provisions for an AESA array could be made during Tranche 3A production of the Eurofighter for Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Euroradar Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, Am Sldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany Tel: +49 811 80 0 Fax: +49 811 80 1557 Web: www.eurofighter.com

Euroradar

NORTHROP GRUMMAN ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems was created by Northrop Grummans acquisition of Westinghouse Electronic Systems Group in 1996. The Electronic Systems sector is a designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced defence electronics and systems. The division has 120 locations worldwide, including 72 international offices, and approximately 24,000 employees. Northrop Grumman produces a series of AESA fire control radars: the AN/APG-77 for the F-22 Raptor, the AN/APG-80 for the F-16 and the AN/APG-81 for the F-35 Lightning II. The Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) is the latest addition to Northrops family of AESA radars. It is based on the APG-80 with improvements. While designed initially to fit the F-16 with no structural, power or cooling modifications, the SABR is scalable to fit other aircraft platforms and mission areas.
Northrop Grumman

The SABR was flown in a Northrop-owned Sabreliner testbed on the 16 November 2008 from Baltimore, Maryland, and detected numerous aerial targets during the sortie. As of November 2009, the SABR system was not approved by US export control officials for the export market. Northrop is to meet with Alenia Aermacchi regarding installing the SABR on the M-346 trainer. Export controls would not be an immediate issue in this case because the aircraft are intended for sale to the US Air Force, which may consider the M-346 to replace its Northrop T-38s.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Northrop Grumman, 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067, USA Tel: +1 310 553 6262 Fax: +1 310 201 3023 Web: www.es.northropgrumman.com
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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

PHAZOTRON
Phazotron is a Russian company which develops and produces multiple technology systems including radars and radar weapon and defence control systems for aircraft plus gun-missile groundbased and shipborne air defence systems. Phazotron employs an estimated 5,000 employees. The Zhuk-AE AESA radar offers a wider range of operating frequencies, providing more resistance to electronic countermeasures, increased detection range, more air and ground targets detected, tracked and able to be engaged simultaneously. The radar is thought to have a detection range of 160 km for air targets and 300 km for ships.
Phazotron 123557, Moscow, Electrichesky per 1, Russia Tel: +7095 253 0495 Fax: +7095 253 0495 Web: www.phazotron.com

Phazotron

RAYTHEON
Raytheon is a defence contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentration in defence systems and defence and commercial electronics. The company has around 73,000 employees worldwide. Raytheon currently builds the AN/APG-79 AESA for the Boeing F/A18E/F Super Hornet and the AN/APG-63(V)2/3 AESA for Boeing F15s. Raytheon is also developing the AN/APG-82(V)1 for the US Air Forces F-15E. The Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) is the latest addition to its family of AESA radars. This radar, based on the combat proven APG-79 that has more than 100,000 hours, is scalable and suitable for the F-16, F/A-18 and other in-service fighter aircraft. As of November 2009, RACR had been approved by US arms control officials to be marketed to at least two countries. These are understood to be Greece and Korea, which are both considering upgrades for their F-16s.

Raytheon

Raytheon

Raytheon Raytheon Company , 870 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02451-1449 USA Tel: +1 781 522 3000 Web: www.raytheon.com
Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 11

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

SELEX GALILEO
Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems and Galileo Avionica began operating under the common brand name of Selex Galileo in January 2008. The company is owned by the Italian conglomerate Finmeccanica. The Vixen 1000E/ES-05 Raven AESA radar was first tested in flight using Saabs Gripen Demo airframe in October 2009. Selex says that flight tests of its new AESA design, which uses a unique swashplate mounting to significantly boost the sensors area of coverage, will also support the technologys possible future integration with the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Selex Galileo

Early in 2009, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed a desire to equip its Tranche 3A Typhoons with AESA radars, and industry sources say a flight-test programme with the Selex design is expected to take place from 2012. EADS has previously flown an AESA array on a Eurofighter development aircraft in Germany. According to Selex, an AESA array could now be produced for the same cost as a mechanically scanned system, but deliver a five to 10-times increase in mean-time between critical failures, reducing maintenance and other through-life support costs.
Selex Galileo Via Giulio Vincenzo Bona, 85 , 00156, ROMA, Italy Tel: +39 06418831 Fax: +39 0641883219 Web: www.selexgalileo.com

THALES
Thales is a global technology provider for the aerospace, space, defence, security and transportation markets. The company operates in 50 countries and has 68,000 employees. Thales provides equipment and systems including avionics to the Dassault Rafale. Together, that accounts for approximately one third of the total value of each Rafale. The largest sensor onboard the Rafale is the new generation Thales RBE2 AESA radar. The RBE2 is described as Europes first AESA radar. It replaces the conventional antenna and its mechanical steering system, and has allowed for greater reliability with respect to previous-generation radars. The RBE2 will give the Rafale the capability to track all targets in the radar Thales field of view, irrespective of the relative location between targets and host aircraft. Other operational benefits include the detection of targets with low radar reflectivity and improved high quality ground imaging. The RBE2s high performance air-to-air detection will make it possible to detect smaller targets and to detect them earlier. The industrialisation phase for the RBE2 was launched in 2006. Final validation of software function is expected to end in the first quarter of 2010, with delivery of the radars to Dassault Aviation.
Thales 45 rue de Villiers, 92526, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France Tel: +33 1 57 77 80 00 Web: www.thalesgroup.com
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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

TIKHOMIROV NIIP
Tikhomirov NIIP is one of the major Russian enterprises in the development of weaponry control systems for fighter aircraft and mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. The N011M Bars radar is fitted on the Sukhoi Su-30. The Bars is the most advanced radar developed by the Russian industry during the 1990s. It is unusual in being designed with a hybrid array arrangement, the receive path using very similar technology to US and European AESAs, with similar sensitivity and sidelobe performance, but using a Travelling Wave Tube and backplane waveguide feed for the transmit direction, a technology closest to the Boeing B-1 and early Dassault Rafale radars.

Tikhomirov NIIP

The Tikhomirov Irbis-E radar system has been in development since 2004 and designed for the Su-35 multipurpose fighter aircraft. Tikhomirov developed the new radar based on the Bars system provided to Su-30MKI/ MKM/MKA aircraft. This systems antenna contains more than 1,000 solid transmit/receive modules. The first radar prototype entered flight tests onboard an Su-30MK2 aircraft acting as a test bed in early 2007. The Irbis-E design is Russias second AESA system, following the Phazotron Zhuk-AE being developed for the MiG-35.
Tikhomirov NIIP 3, Gagarina St., Zhukovsky, Russia 140181 Tel: +7 495 556 23 48 Fax: +7 495 721 37 85 Web: www.niip.ru

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

New build ghters

With procurement budgets around the globe having tightened significantly as a result of the global economic crisis, large-scale fighter purchases are hard-fought and often protracted affairs. Local industrial development and the related transfer of cutting-edge technologies are key requirements for many nations which are considering committing themselves to a massive capital outlay and support costs which will span at least four decades in most cases. Indias at least 126-aircraft medium multirole combat aircraft competition is one such example, with New Delhi currently assessing six designs for its long-term requirements. For bidding companies Boeing (F/A-18E/F Super Hornet), Dassault (Rafale), Eurofighter (Typhoon), Lockheed Martin (F-16), RSK MiG (MiG-35) and Saab (Gripen NG), the ability to outsource the production of high-value equipment such as transmit/receive modules for active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars could prove as vital a lure as raw airframe performance. Once viewed as something of an extravagance, the inclusion of an AESA sensor is increasingly becoming part of requests for information and requests for proposal issued by potential fighter-buying countries, as the technology moves swiftly from the sidelines to the baseline.

WORLDWIDE ACTIVE FLEET OVERVIEW FOR WESTERN-BUILT FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

F-15: F-16: F-18: F-22:

592 1,188 1,125 129

Euroghter: F-16: F-18: Gripen: MiG-29: Rafale:

167 765 181 197 65 61

MIDDLE EAST

RUSSIA & THE CIS

MiG-29: Su-27/30:

541 384

Euroghter: F-15: F-16: F-18: MiG-29:

AFRICA SOUTH AMERICA

6 234 490 35 111

ASIA-PACIFIC

F-16: MiG-29: Su-27/30:

37 39 24

F-16: MiG-29: Su-27/30:

201 22 59

F-15: F-16: F-18: MiG-29: Su-27/30:

197 488 79 149 322

NOTE: Active fleet as of 1 December 2009

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 15

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

BOEING F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar: 4.87 m 18.5 m 13.68 m 46 m2 13,864 kg 29,932 kg 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 Mach 1.8+ Raytheon AN/APG-79 The Super Hornet multi-role aircraft is a larger and more advanced variant of the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The single-seat E model and the two-seat F model are currently in production and in service with the US Navy. The first Super Hornet production model was delivered to the US Navy in December 1998. The aircraft entered operational service in November 1999 and the programme was awarded a five-year contract for 221 aircraft. After successfully completing operational evaluation and initial operational capability in 2006, Raytheons AN/APG79 AESA radar is now operational with an active duty US Navy squadron. The AN/APG-79 has a significant increase in search volume, superior detection, and target track ranges. The 400th Super Hornet was delivered to the US Navy in June 2009. There are currently over 1,400 F-18 family aircraft in service around the world.

Source: Boeing/US Navy Fact File

Boeing

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 17

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

BOEING F-15E STRIKE EAGLE

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: Boeing

5.65 m 19.45 m 13.05 m 20,411 kg 36,700 kg 2 x P&W F100 or GE F110 Mach 2.5 Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1

The Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle is a multi-role strike fighter aircraft and is equipped with Raytheons AESA radar. The F-15 Eagle was introduced in 1976 and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The F-15E Strike Eagle entered service in 1989. The F-15 family of aircraft has a perfect air-combat record of more than 100 victories and zero defeats. F-15s downed four MiG-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict and 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm. During the Balkan conflict, the F-15E was the only fighter able to attack ground targets around the clock, in all weather conditions. The Raytheon AN/APG-70 mechanically scanned radar system equips the earlier versions of the F-15. The US Air Force currently uses the Raytheon AN/APG-70 and this will be replaced by the AN/APG-82(V)1. International F-15E model aircraft built in the 1990s also include the AN/APG70, but more recent F-15E include the Raytheon AN/APG63(V)1 mechanically scanned radar and the AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar.
USAF

The AN/APG-82(V)1 optimises the F-15Es multi-role mission capability. In addition to its extended range and improved multi-target track and precision engagement capabilities, the AN/APG-82(V)1 offers a more than twentyfold improvement in system reliability over the legacy AN/APG-70 radar. There are currently more than 1,000 F-15 family aircraft in service worldwide. From that number, over 200 are F-15E Strike Eagles.

USAF

Raytheon

Boeing

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

DASSAULT RAFALE
SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: Dassault

5.34 m 15.27 m 10.80 m 45.70 m2 20,000 kg 24,500 kg 2 x Snecma M88-2 Mach 1.8 Thales RBE2

The Rafale A first flew in 1986 as an aerodynamic study. The first production-standard Rafale flew in 1998, and entered service with the French navy in 2004 in the F1 standard. Deliveries of the French air forces B and C model aircraft started in 2006. Since 2008, all Rafales have been delivered in the F3 standard. All aircraft delivered in earlier production standards will be brought up to the F3 configuration over the next two years. The French forces plan to purchase 294 Rafales: 234 for the air force and 60 for the navy. Their Rafales are set to replace seven legacy fighter types, and will remain as Frances principal combat aircraft until at least 2040. The Rafales F3 standard includes the Thales RBE2 radar, which gives multi-track air-to-air, ship track, terrain following radar and synthetic aperture navigation modes. The next generation Rafale will be upgraded with the Thales RBE2 AESA radar starting in 2012. Dassaults large ownership share of Thales means it can have significant influence on how the radar is tailored to the aircraft and how it can be exported. About 70 Rafales have been delivered, with a current production rate of 12 a year. They are all operated by the French air force and French navy. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are currently in final discussions to acquire dozens of Rafales.

Dassault

Dassault

Dassault

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 19

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: Eurofighter

5.28 m 15.96 m 10.95 m 50 m2 11,000 kg 23,500 kg 2 Eurojet EJ200 Mach 2 Euroradar Captor

Eurofighter is a multinational company formed of Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems and EADS in 1986 that coordinates the design, production and upgrade of the Typhoon multi-role fighter. Production is on a workshare basis, according to the number of aircraft each has ordered. The Typhoon was introduced in 2003. The Typhoon is in service with the UK Royal Air Force, the German Luftwaffe, the Italian Aeronautica Militare, the Spanish air force and the Austrian air force - the first export customer. Saudi Arabia is the only Typhoon operator outside of Europe. The mechanically scanned Euroradar Captor was designed for the Typhoon. Euroradar is led by Selex Galileo and also includes EADS and Indra. The Captor-E new generation of radar introduces AESA technology which improves tracking performance/track robustness and missile guidance for simultaneous multitarget scenarios. When developed, the production version of the Captor-E radar is being proposed as part of Tranche 3A deliveries of the Typhoon from 2012. Selex Galileo could also offer a version the Vixen 1000E/ ES05 Raven AESA radar to the Typhoon. More than 200 Typhoons are currently in service and aircraft production is ongoing, with 707 aircraft under contract.

Eurofighter

Eurofighter

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-16 FIGHTING FALCON

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Engine Thrust: Service Life: Speed: Radar: 5.09 m 15.027 m 9.449 m 27.87 m2 9,207 kg 21,772 kg 1 P&W F100 or GE F110 13,000 kg 8,000 h Mach 2+ Northrop AN/APG-80 Introduced in 1978, the F-16 is the most widely used fighter aircraft in the world with more than 3,000 units currently active - with 37% used by the US Air Force. The Block 60 F-16E/F variant delivered to the United Arab Emirates is the latest version of the design. New build F-16 Fighting Falcons are fitted with the Northrop Grumman fourth generation AN/APG-80 AESA radar which provides situational awareness and detection, synthetic aperture radar mapping, automatic terrain following and air-to-air tracking of multiple targets. The AN/APG-80 offers almost twice the air-to-air detection range compared to the mechanically scanned AN/APG-68(V)7. The RACR is the latest AESA radar offered from Raytheon to upgrade legacy F-16s while Northrop Grumman offers the SABR. Production of the F-16 is expected to run until at least 2013, with an -IN version also currently being offered to the Indian air force.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Northrop Grumman

Lockheed Martin

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 21

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTNING II

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar: 4.3 m 15.7 m 10.7 m 42.7 m2 13,320 kg 31,800 kg 1 x P&W F135 or GE/R-R F136 Mach 1.6 Northrop AN/APG-81 The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II - also known as the Joint Strike Fighter - is a stealthy multi-role fighter aircraft which is currently in pre-production. There are three variants: F-35A conventional take-off and landing, F-35B short take-off and vertical landing and F-35C carrier variant. Apart from the United States, the other partners in the JSF programme are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the UK. The main sensor on board the F-35 is the AN/APG-81 AESA radar designed by Northrop Grumman. The radar is designed to enable F-35 pilots to engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing situational awareness for enhanced survivability. In addition to providing the radar, Northrop Grumman is also providing the AN/AAS-37 electro-optical Distributed Aperture System for the F-35. The system will provide F-35 pilots with a protective sphere around the aircraft for missile warning, navigation support and night operations. In June 2009, Lockheed confirmed that there were no plans to change the acquisition strategy for the F-35s AESA system. Instead, discussions were focused on potentially signing up Raytheon, Thales and perhaps Finmeccanicas Selex, among other international firms, as second source suppliers for the AN/APG-81s components.

Source: Lockheed Martin. Specs for F-35A - CTOL.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin

Drawing of the STOVL F-35B

22 | Flightglobal Insight | Fighter Radars Special Report 2010

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

LOCKHEED MARTIN/BOEING F-22 RAPTOR

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar: 5.08 m 18.9 m 13.56 m 78.04 m2 19,700 kg 38,000 kg 2 x Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 Mach 2 Northrop AN/APG-77 The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. Programme partner Boeing is reponsible for the wings, aft fuselage, radar system development and testing, avionics integration and all the pilot and maintenance training systems. The F-22 has been designed for combined air-to-air and air-to-ground mission capability. It was intended as a replacement for the F-15 as the US Air Forces front-line dominance fighter. The F-22 Raptor was introduced in 2005 and 129 have now been delivered. This number will rise to a total of 187 aircraft by 2011. No opportunity for export currently exists because the export sale of the F-22 is barred by American federal law. The F-22 is fitted with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-77 AESA radar. This radar has both long-range target acquisition and low probability of interception of its own signals by enemy aircraft. The F-22 is also fitted with the BAE Systems E&IS radar warning receiver AN/ALR-94 and the AN/AAR-56 Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet missile approach warning system.
Lockheed Martin

Source: Lockheed Martin

In July 2009, the US Senate voted to end production of F-22s after 2011.

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 23

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

RSK MIG MIG-35

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar: 6m 19 m 15 m 11,000 kg 17,800 kg 2 x Klimov RD-33MK Mach 2.25 Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA The MiG-35 (single-seat) and MiG-35D (two seat) are the further development of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/ M2 fighters. The MiG-29, along with the Sukhoi Su-27, were introduced in the early 1980s to counter new American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-35 is fitted with a Zhuk-AE AESA radar developed by Phazotron NIIR. This can detect aerial targets at ranges up to 130 km (head on) in both look-up or look-down modes. Look-up tail-on detection range is 50 km (40 km look down). The radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode, and engage six targets simultaneously in the attack mode. The Zhuk-AE also has a sea-surface search mode and can detect a destroyer size target at a range of 200 km. Most of the systems introduced in the MiG-35 can be applied to older MiG-29s through programmes. There are currently more than 900 MiG-29 aircraft worldwide.

Source: RSK MiG. Specs for the MiG-29M2.

RSK MiG

RSK MiG

RSK MiG

Allocer

24 | Flightglobal Insight | Fighter Radars Special Report 2010

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

SAAB JAS 39 GRIPEN

SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: Saab

4.5 m 14.1 m 8.4 m 30 m2 5,700 kg 14,000 kg 1 x Volvo Aero RM12 Mach 2 Ericsson PS-05/A

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen was introduced in 1996 and was developed as a replacement for Swedens ageing Viggen and Draken fighters. The Gripen is currently in service with the air forces of Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary and South Africa and has also been ordered by Thailand. The Gripen is fitted with the PS-05/A radar and was originally developed by Ericsson and GEC-Marconi. The radar is capable of detecting, locating, identifying and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide four air-to-air missiles simultaneously at four different targets. In March 2009, Saab and Selex Galileo signed an agreement for joint development of the Raven AESA radar based on Selex Galileos AESA Vixen and the PS-05/A. There are currently over 200 Gripens in service in the world and the order backlog is over 50.

Saab

Saab

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 25

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

SUKHOI SU-30MKI
SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: Sukhoi

6.4 m 21.9 m 14.7 m 62 m2 18,400 kg 38,800 kg 2 x Lyulka AL-31FP Mach 2.34 Tikhomirov NIIP N011M Bars

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a variant of the Su-30. The development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. For the first time in the world, a production plane has a radar with a phased antenna array (Bars developed by the Scientific Research Institute of Instrumentation Technology). The Su-30MKI is fitted with the Tikhomirov NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar. The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as antijamming features. The N011M has a 350 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range. The radar can track 15 air targets and engage four simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS, as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target coordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 4050 km. There are currently more than 280 Su-30s in service in the world.

Sukhoi

Sukhoi

Sukhoi

Sukhoi

26 | Flightglobal Insight | Fighter Radars Special Report 2010

FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

SUKHOI SU-35BM
SPECIFICATIONS Height: Length: Wingspan: Wing Area: Empty weight: MTOW: Powerplant: Speed: Radar:
Source: KNAAPO

5.9 m 21.9 m 15.3 m 62 m2 18,400 kg 34,500 kg 2 x Saturn 117S/AL-41F1A Mach 2.25 Tikhomirov Irbis-E

The Sukhoi Su-35BM is a multi-role fighter and variant of the Su-27M/Su-35. There are currently over 500 inservice Su-27s worldwide. The core of the Su-35 armament is the Irbis-E radar control system with a phased antenna array developed by Tikhomirov NIIP In design, this is an X-waveband . multi-role radar with a passive phased antenna array mounted on a two-step hydraulic drive unit (in azimuth and roll). The antenna device scans by an electronically controlled beam in azimuth and angle of elevation in sectors not smaller than 60. The two-step electrohydraulic drive unit additionally turns the antenna by mechanic means to 60 in azimuth and 120 in roll. Thus, in using the electronic control and mechanical additional turn of the antenna, the maximum deflection angle of the beam grows to 120. The Irbis-E radar control system detects and tracks up to 30 air targets, retaining continuity of space observation and engaging up to eight targets. The system detects, chooses and tracks up to four ground targets in several map-making modes with various resolution at a range of up to 400 km, without stopping to monitor the airspace.

Sukhoi

The Irbis-E radar detects air targets with an absolute cross section of 3 m2 on a head-on course at a range of up to 400 km.

Sukhoi

Sukhoi

Sukhoi

Fighter Radars Special Report 2010 | Flightglobal Insight | 27

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

Fighter upgrades
NORTHROP GRUMMAN AN/APG-68(V)9
The AN/APG-68(V)9 radar is an advanced capability system designed for the F-16. It has autonomous 24-hour, all weather precision strike capability including synthetic aperture. Seven countries have purchased it as standard equipment on new F-16s or as upgrade kits for their existing F-16 fleets. To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 250 AN/APG-68(V)9 radars.
Northrop Grumman

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SABR

Available for new built F-16s, the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) is scalable on other aircraft platforms and could be used as an update on models such as the F-50, F/A-50, T-50 and M-346. Northrop also sees a future market for offering increased-scale versions of the SABR design for other legacy fighters, such as the Boeing F-15 or F/A-18, and even for larger types like the Lockheed Martin C-130 transport.

Northrop Grumman

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FIGHTER RADARS SPECIAL REPORT 2010

RAYTHEON AN/APG-63(V)2
The AN/APG-63(V)2 is a radar upgrade for the US Air Forces F-15C and was also the first AESA radar system to be operationally deployed on 18 USAF F-15C for a cruise missile defence mission. Retaining controls and displays nearly identical to those of its predecessor, the AN/APG-63(V)1, the new system adds an AESA radar. Addition of AESA technology substantially increases pilot situational awareness, while enhancing reliability and maintainability. This AESA radar has an exceptionally agile beam, and provides almost instantaneous track updates throughout the field of vision. Other benefits of the radar Raytheon include enhanced multi-target tracking capability and elimination of the need for a hydraulic system. The AN/APG-63(V)2 is compatible with current F-15C weapon loads. It features upgraded identification-friend-or-foe and environmental control systems, and enables pilots to take full advantage of AIM120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile capabilities. It can simultaneously guide multiple missiles to several targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation, or range.

RAYTHEON AN/APG-63(V)3
The AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar is an upgrade of the AN/APG-63(V)2. It provides powerful, adaptable radar technology, proven performance, and tactical flexibility that F-15 pilots can rely on. It is the newest member of Raytheons F-15 radar family. Benefits include multi-role capability, long-term support, and easy future growth options. Raytheons F-15 radar growth plan provides a smooth transition from one product upgrade to another. The APG-63(V)1 seamlessly integrates the APG-63(V)3s AESA components with minimal downtime. The radar is in production for the US Air Force F-15C aircraft upgrades and for new international F-15E model aircraft.

Raytheon

RAYTHEON AN/APG-82(V)1
In September 2009, the F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP) received the designation of AN/APG-82(V)1 from the US Air Force. Raytheon will produce developmental and flight-test radar units to support integration of the AN/APG-82 into the F-15E weapons system. Flight tests begin in 2010, and Boeing expects the combination to achieve initial operational capability during fiscal year 2014.

Raytheon

RAYTHEON RACR
The Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) AESA is, like Northrops SABR, on offer for fighter upgrades. It has been designed as a drop-in upgrade for the F-16 and F/A-18 to minimise aircraft modification time and aircrew transition training. The RACR has also been offered to South Korea for installation on the proposed Korea Aerospace Industries F/A-50 light fighter. RACR shares about 90% of its components with the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets current sensor.

Raytheon

30 | Flightglobal Insight | Fighter Radars Special Report 2010

Raytheon AESA
Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar

See all. Target all.

Night and day, Raytheons proven AESA technology enables various platforms to gather, process and share information, air-to-air and air-to-ground, with a speed and reliability far greater than any other radar. In short, it provides todays aircraft with a revolutionary level of situational awareness and the vast operational advantages that go with it.

www.raytheon.com
Keyword: TACAESA
2010 Raytheon Company. All rights reserved. Customer Success Is Our Mission is a registered trademark of Raytheon Company.

Every day, Raytheon customers undertake vital missions across air, land, sea, space and cyberspace. Our mission is to provide innovative, integrated technologies across these domains to ensure customer success. Raytheons combat-proven AESA technology gives pilots and aircrews the ultimate operational edge. Designed for continual service in demanding flight conditions, Raytheons AESA ensures that servicemen and women on the battlefield are responsive and ready to keep America and its allies safe. Revolutionary Capabilities: After designing and building the worlds first operational AESA fighter radar, fielded in 2000, Raytheon has remained at the forefront of radar evolution. Raytheons AESA provides superior detection, targeting, tracking and self protection, as the most advanced air-to-air, air-to-surface multimode radar. We are committed to providing only the best AESA capabilities and mission support to servicemen and women worldwide on aircraft such as the F-15, F/A-18A-F, EA-18G, F-16, B-2 and ASTOR. Innovative: Raytheon provides flexible AESA options to speed delivery of the right solution for a variety of fighter aircraft. Our AESA radar family continues to evolve, ensuring longevity of the technology while making state-of-the-art radar performance enhancements available at low risk for decades to come. Raytheon also offers proven ability to scale or customize radar systems for multiple combat aircraft platforms, domestic and international. We provide an affordable, lowrisk approach for customers worldwide. Network-Centric Operations: Raytheons AESA radar systems have the ability to link fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft; service members in the air and on the ground; integrate data from unmanned aerial vehicles; and provide non-traditional ISR to provide the right information at the right time for the right mission. Whatever the task defense, ISR, or strike pilots and aircrews rely on Raytheons AESA technology for optimal mission assurance. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

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