A prototype of a state-of-the-art radar destined for the UK’s Typhoon fleet has been delivered to BAE Systems’ flight-testing facility at Warton in Lancashire.
ECRS Mk 2 (European Common Radar System Mk2) radar will further transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
The prototype arrived at BAE’s site on 31 March from Edinburgh where it was developed and manufactured by Leonardo. It will now be integrated over the next year with a view to conducting initial flight testing in 2024.
I’m proud to say the integration of ECRS Mk2 on Typhoon will provide the RAF with battle-winning technology with which our adversaries will struggle to compete.
Andy Start,
Defence Equipment & Support CEO
The development of the ECRS Mk2 radar is taking place under a £2.35 billion investment that integrates the new radar onto Typhoon via a Phased 4 Enhancement programme being taken forward with Germany, Italy and Spain. It will support operations in the most challenging situations, equipping pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the reach of threats. This will cement Typhoon aircraft as the backbone of combat air capability defending the UK at home and abroad for decades to come.
Lyndon Hoyle, Head of the Typhoon Delivery Team at DE&S, said: “Delivery of the prototype radar to Warton is the latest key milestone in this exciting programme. It was only possible thanks to a lot of hard work and excellent collaboration across DE&S, Air Command and industry: ingredients for success that we shall take forward into the next phase of the programme.”
Together, that investment will generate and sustain up to 1,300 high-quality jobs right across the UK. Overall, the Typhoon programme shall continue to support more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK.
The new radar is eagerly anticipated as it will further enhance the superb capabilities of Typhoon and keep it at the leading edge of combat air for years to come.
Group Captain Mat D’Aubyn,
Air Capability Typhoon Programme Director