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
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
![DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions]()
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine]()
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
