Searchmaster radar in first flight
Thales' Searchmaster radar has completed its first flight, marking the start of a six month flight test campaign, the company announced on 4 February.
Thales is developing Searchmaster for France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft upgrade programme. It will also be available for international export customers.
The airborne surveillance radar uses an active electronically scanned array antenna to provide multirole capabilities and high levels of naval or land threat detection performance. It is designed for five mission types: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol, air-to-ground missions and tactical air support.
Flight testing will involve an integrated team, with personnel from Thales, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) flight test centre and the French Navy (CEPA or operational fly test and evaluation centre). During the campaign, the radar will be tested in real-life operating environments, including air-to-surface, air-to-ground and air-to-air operations.
A Thales spokesperson said that at least 15 radars are being prepared for the ATL2 programme. The first production radars will be delivered in the first half of 2017.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
