Raytheon upgrades KAI FA-50 combat aircraft with PhantomStrike radar
The FA-50 light attack aircraft is based on the T-50 trainer. (Photo: KAI)
Raytheon is to integrate its PhantomStrike fire control radar on the KAI FA-50 light attack aircraft.
Raytheon Technologies will outfit the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 light combat aircraft with its new PhantomStrike radar.
The AESA radar is a fully air-cooled fire-control radar designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting.
Thee US government has approved the product to be exported as a Direct Commercial Sale product to KAI.
PhantomStike can be integrated into light attack aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and ground-based towers as well.
‘Outfitting the FA-50 with the PhantomStrike radar upgrades the capability of a critical aircraft, providing unparalleled performance in a compact, affordable package,’ said Annabel Flores, president of Global Spectrum Dominance at Raytheon Technologies.
‘PhantomStrike makes it possible for KAI to offer high-performance fire control radar capabilities that can integrate with US and international weapon systems, so FA-50 customers maintain air dominance,’ she added.
Production of the radars will take place in Mississippi, Arizona and Scotland with support from Raytheon UK.
Initial deliveries are expected in 2025.
The FA-50 aircraft is based on the T-50 trainer's performance and an armament storing capability, but it has been further developed and upgraded with a tactical data link, precision-guided munitions, and a self-protection subsystem.
The aircraft has been deployed and operated in the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) since 2013.
More from Air Warfare
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
-
![Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters]()
Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters
The order for the extra helicopters comes from an agreement penned in December 2023, with the German Army receiving the bulk of the platforms.
-
![Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid]()
Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid
The pair will submit their demonstrator concept for Project Nyx, a development project for the British Army’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform.
-
![US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress]()
US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress
The Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit is designed to overcome the issue of unique integration methods between lethal payloads and drones as well as avoiding problematic acquisition conditions created by vendor lock.
