Marshall palleted radar system to enable conversion of transport aircraft for special missions
The palletised payload system will allow rapid conversion of transport aircraft such as the C-130J for ISR missions. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Marshall Aerospace has developed a palletised radar system to convert transport aircraft for surveillance missions and tested the installation on a C-130J aircraft.
Marshall Aerospace has unveiled ARC-Radar, a modular sensor suite allowing operators of tactical transport aircraft to temporarily convert them for ISR missions.
According to the company, ARC-Radar is the first of several products that will be rolled out within the Adaptable Role-fit Capability (ARC) family in the near future.
ARC-Radar is described as a role-fit palletised solution with no permanent integration and no modifications required, utilising only existing aircraft power outlets.
Related Articles
UK MoD receives first 10 EOD and ECM specialist vehicles from Marshall Land Systems
US Navy orders AESA radar items for Super Hornets, Growlers
Royal Air Force to extend C-130J support contract with Serco
The installation comprises a two-panel Leonardo Osprey 30 AESA surveillance radar, two modified paratroop doors with low-profile conformal radomes, a rear pallet with two radar mounts and a forward pallet with a mission management console.
Two Osprey 30 AESA radars are fitted on a rear pallet mount. (Photo: Marshall Aerospace)
The system can be fitted or removed in under four hours, with no modifications needed to to the airframe and no performance or handling penalties, Marshall claims.
'The unique benefit of this roll-on-roll-off system is that it effectively expands the utilisation of existing assets for multi-mission purposes,' said Ben Jakubowski, head of Marshall Aerospace’s future products team.
ARC-Radar has undergone flight and ground testing on a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules platform.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
-
![Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution]()
Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution
The AI solution is called Gunslinger, which will be used to assist the pilot in decision-making for counter-drone operations.
-
![European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project]()
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
