European Common Radar ECRS Mk2 Completes Ground Tests Prepares for Flight Trials.

A prototype of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 has reached a significant milestone towards its deployment in the field. The advanced radar has recently completed a series of ground tests and is now preparing for flight trials, as reported by the British Royal Air Force. This ground testing program was conducted on an evaluation and test of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft equipped with the new ECRS Mk2 radar, marking significant progress in the continuous evolution of the Typhoon’s air control capabilities.
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The ECRS Mk2 radar features an innovative multifunctional array capable of performing traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks (Picture source: British Royal Air Force)

The tests were carried out by engineers at BAE Systems’ flight testing facility in Warton, Lancashire, with support from Leonardo UK teams who developed the radar at their Edinburgh and Luton sites. The tests included electromagnetic testing in a unique anechoic chamber. The radar, contracted by the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement agency, Defence Equipment and Support, aims to support RAF operations in the most challenging situations by providing pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defenses through high-powered jamming and engage targets beyond the reach of threats.

Group Captain Matt D’Aubyn, Typhoon Program Director for the RAF, highlighted the importance of integrating this new radar prototype into the test aircraft, calling it “a positive step in the continuous evolution of the Typhoon’s air control capabilities, maintaining its sovereign freedom of action and preserving its technological advantage.”

The ECRS Mk2 radar features an innovative multifunctional array capable of performing traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks. This allows the Typhoon to locate and neutralize the use of adversary radars with powerful electronic jamming attacks while staying beyond the reach of threats. This enhanced capability will support RAF operations, ensuring that pilots can operate safely and effectively in hostile environments.

The European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 project is a major initiative aimed at equipping Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets with a next-generation radar system. This advanced radar was designed to improve detection, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities, providing a strategic advantage in complex threat environments. The development of the ECRS Mk2 radar began as part of ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain the technological superiority of European air forces. The project is led by a defense consortium, primarily composed of BAE Systems and Leonardo UK. BAE Systems is responsible for flight testing and integrating the radar on Typhoon aircraft, while Leonardo UK developed the radar at its Edinburgh and Luton facilities.

The development of the ECRS Mk2 radar started in the early 2010s, in response to the need to enhance the Typhoon's radar capabilities. The radar was first introduced to the public and industrial partners at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in June 2010.