Northrop Grumman completes test flights of new scalable sensor
EMRIS in a Northrop Grumman testing range. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman’s Electronically-Scanned Multifunction Reconfigurable Integrated Sensor (EMRIS) sensor can perform radar, EW and communications functions using a single array.
Northrop Grumman has successfully completed dozens of test flights of its EMRIS sensor with new software deployed during flights as demonstration of the reconfigurable nature of the sensor.
EMRIS’s fully digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilises technology from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Arrays on Commercial Timescales programme, combined with the government’s open architecture standards.
By applying the flexibility of a digital AESA, EMRIS can perform multiple functions including radar, electronic warfare and communications, simultaneously.
As part of EMRIS’ flights, Northrop Grumman demonstrated the ability to quickly leverage technologies developed for other programs to adapt multiple fielded capabilities into EMRIS.
The second EMRIS array is entering testing, and Northrop Grumman is in the process of demonstrating its scalable nature by fabricating two smaller EMRIS apertures for lower cost and size-constrained application demonstrations.
The company has not identified particular applications for EMRIS but the technology is compact enough to fit in a small UAS and is designed to be configurable enough to be part of future platforms involving a range of aircraft sizes.
As part of the integration and test phase, Northrop Grumman is demonstrating the ability to leverage technology developed for other programmes to adapt multiple fielded capabilities into EMRIS.
The sensor’s design leverages commercial processes and materials, including the 5G tech base, driving down cost and increasing the quality and reliability of the components, according to the company.
Krys Moen, vice president, advanced mission capabilities, Northrop Grumman said: “Dozens of successful flights with EMRIS demonstrated the ability to reduce development timelines and lower programme costs by leveraging our partnerships with, and advancements across, all military services.”
More from Air Warfare
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry]()
Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry
Between 2026 and 2032, almost a quarter of EU aircraft spending is expected to come from Germany. While crewed programmes seek modernisation and replacement, uncrewed opportunities look to introduce entirely new capabilities, with both highlighting sovereignty and domestic production.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
![India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist]()
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
![AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX]()
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
