ECRS Mk2 radar makes first flight on Eurofighter Typhoon
ECRS Mk2 takes off from BAE Systems’ facilities in Warton on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The new European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) prototype has taken flight for the first time at BAE Systems’ site in Warton, Lancashire in the UK.
The radar was commissioned by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) at a price of £870million (US$1.2 billion) and began ground-tests on a Eurofighter Typhoon in July 2024. According to BAE Systems, the radar arms Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots with the ability to locate and deny enemy radar with electronic attack and anti-jamming capabilities, while remaining out of reach of threats.
The first flight followed ground-based testing via a collaboration between the MoD, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the RAF.
Related Articles
Leonardo delivers first ECRS Mk2 radar prototype for RAF Typhoon fleet
European Common Radar System Mk2 begins ground-testing in UK
Nick Moore, Typhoon deputy head of capability acquisition at DE&S, said: “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 Typhoon’s control of the air and provide exceptional capability our adversaries will struggle to match.”
Tim Bungey, chief engineer for ECRS Mk2 at Leonardo UK, said the radar’s production design has been “progressing apace”.
Over the past few months, it has been re-engineered – namely, its processor, receiver, antenna power supply and control units – to “further enhance the capacity, capability and performance of the Mk2 system in alignment with the new antenna and electronic warfare capability”, Bungey noted.
A total of 680 of the aircraft have been ordered by nine different countries, with export sales predicted to return more than £30 billion to the UK government, according to BAE Systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
Avalon 2025: Australia’s missile and ordnance plans excite companies
Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) industrial plan is ambitious and promises big spending in an effort to create a local and sovereign capability. Companies at last week’s Australian International Airshow near Melbourne were making their pitches.
-
Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight
The Strix test effort suffered a setback last year when the prototype incurred minor damage in a hard landing during its second trial flight.