ECRS takes first test flight on Spanish Eurofighter
The contract for Typhoons will see Spain’s fleet grow to 90 aircraft by 2030. (Photo: Airbus)
The Captor-E radar, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna, has officially begun flight tests on board a Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon, Airbus has announced.
Also known as the European Common Radar System (ECRS), the ECRS Mk1 is being developed for the Spanish Halcon and German Quadriga Eurofighter modernisation projects.
Spain’s modernisation initiative includes the acquisition of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons to Tranche 4 configuration, which features the E-scan Mk1 AESA radar and upgraded software, signed in 2022.
Related Articles
ECRS Mk2 radar makes first flight on Eurofighter Typhoon
According to Airbus, the AESA features a mechanical repositioner to extend its field of view and provides enhanced detection capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface operations.
Development of the Mk2 variant – focusing on enhanced electronic warfare capabilities - is also already underway for the UK Royal Air Force. The Mk2 radar began ground tests in July 2024 and took flight for the first time at BAE Systems’ site in Warton, Lancashire in September 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
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.