Terracotta takes to the air
Terracotta includes almost 200 wideband digital channels that can be used for a range of communications, ISR and EW missions. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
First flight of Northrop Grumman wideband AESA radar follows demonstrations in Q4 2020.
Northrop Grumman announced on 22 June that it has successfully flight demonstrated its new Terracotta fully digital wideband active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The flight test followed successful ground and flight demonstrations of Terracotta in Q4 2020; the most recent flight verified how Terracotta simultaneously performs active and passive RF capabilities.
Terracotta comprises nearly 200 wideband digital channels that can be moulded cooperatively or segmented for purposes such as including EW, airborne early warning radar, active and passive sensing, and communications.
‘As a fully-digital multifunction sensor with a wide operating bandwidth, Terracotta can seamlessly provide adaptive spectrum manoeuvrability,’ said Paul Kalafos, VP of surveillance and electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare at Northrop Grumman.
He added: ‘The sensor’s architecture is easily scaled and configured for many applications and systems across all domains. It represents a key enabling technology for joint all domain operations.’
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
