Multifunction AESA Radars Sources Proliferate
AESA Fighter Fire Control & Multifunction Radars
For air forces outside the major powers of US, NATO, and Russia, the development of active electronic scanned array (AESA) radars for
acquisition without political strings has driven the demand for indigenous development.
As usual, the Israelis lead the way with their EL/M-2052 with similar functions to the ELM-2032 mechanicaly scanned array. India LRDE has followed with their UTTAM Mk2 AESA. Sweden's Saab,
a provider of military defense and civil security services and solutions, has
successfully completed the first air trials with its new fighter X-band
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which
will be offered as a new addition to Saab’s PS-05/A radar family. AESA radars have been develped by Hanwha Systems for South Korea' fighters and frigates.
Table 1 Characteristics of EL/M-2032-2052 from ITI Brochure
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Mode/Characteristic |
Submode |
Notes |
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Supports all avionic interfaces Full software control Small size, very light weight requires very low power and cooling resources
|
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<100 kg (220 lb) |
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Air-to-Air (detection and tracking range up to 120 NM): |
|
|
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Air-to-Ground (Imaging and surface target detection up to 120 NM):
|
|
|
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Air-to-Sea (detection, tracking and classification up to 200 NM):
|
|
|
Wikipedia
The EL/M-2032 is an advanced pulse Doppler, multimode planar array fire-control radar intended for multi-role fighter aircraft originated from the Lavi project. It is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-surface modes.[1]
As of 2009, Elta has integrated this radar system into the Sea Harrier, A-4, F-4, F-5, F-16, FA-50, Mirage and MiG-21 fighters.[1] It has also been used in the HAL Tejas fighter.[2]
Specifications
· Weights: Max Weight 100 kg (220 lb)[1]
· Performance: Max Range for air to air targets - 222 km (120 nm),[3]
· Max Range for air to ground targets - 222 km (120 nm),[3]
· Max Range for air to sea targets - 370 km (200 nm)[3]
ELM-2032 https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/08.airborne/karte040.en.html
ELM-2032 is operating in the X-Band multimode fire control radar for multi-missions fighters. It uses a mechanically tilted slotted waveguide antenna. It is designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea missions. Modular hardware design, full software control and flexible avionic interfaces, ensure that the radar can be installed in most fighter aircraft and may be customized to meet the most stringent user requirements. It has been fitted to F-16s, including Israel’s own fleet. It has also been used to upgrade V/STOL Sea Harriers, F-5E/F Tiger light fighters, and F-4 Phantom, Kfir C10s, and Jaguar strike fighters around the world; and was picked for South Korea’s TA-50 and India Tejas lightweight fighters.
The radar is partially replaced by the successor model ELM-2052 with higher power and range.
ELM-2052
https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/08.airborne/karte039.en.html
The Elta ELM-2052 is operating in the X-Band airborne fire control radar designed for air-to-air superiority and advanced strike missions. The radar is based on fully solid-state active phased array technology. The ELM-2052 is an upgraded version of the ELM-2032. Its antenna can be fitted with either 300, or 500, or 1500 active Gallium- Arsenide TR-Modules.
The ELM-2052 is suitable for a number of aircrafts, e.g. in McDonnell Douglas F-15I and Kfir C10 used in Israeli Airforce, Russian MiG-29, French Mirage 2000, Indian Jaguar DARIN III, and LCA Tejas. Its weighs about 130 … 180 kg and consumes 4 … 10 kVA, depending on the design configuration. It can detect targets at very long-range while tracking up to 64 targets, and, simultaneously engaging several targets with missiles.
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/EL/M-2052
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-range-of-an-Elta-Hal-EL-M-2052-AESA-radar
The ELM-2052 is an advanced Fire Control Radar (FCR) designed for air-to-air superiority and strike missions, based on fully solid-state Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) technology, enabling the radar to achieve
1. long detection ranges,
2. high mission reliability and
3. multi-target tracking capabilities.
The ELM-2052 radar provides simultaneous modes of operation supporting multi-mission capabilities for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea operation modes, and weapon deployment.
The Radar has a peak power of ~ 10KW+ and has around 1500 TR Modules (Though its a modular radar and TRM can be increased and decreased based on the requirement) so its very much implied as Alec speculated that the Radar has a gallium nitrite variant as well, GaAs based TR modules itself have a range of around 180–250 KM for the 3 Sq M RCS
· ELTA 2052 AESA Radar can do multi missions. They can perform various tracking during operation SEA LAND AIR Threats at a time.
· The range of elta 2052 is near about 290 km depending upon the variants of radar and TR Modules.
· It's can track 64 Targets and engage with 4 simultaneously.
https://defense-update.com/20070302_aesaradar_2052.html
The Israel’s Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta is developing an AESA version of its airborne fire control radar family designated EL/M-2052. This radar utilizes an array of transmit/receive solid-state modules designed to dynamically shape the radiation pattern using ultra-low side-lobe antenna. The radar supports pulse doppler and two axes monopulse guard channel, providing all aspect, look-down shoot-down performance, operating simultaneous multi-mode air-to-air superiority and advanced strike missions. The radar is based on solid-state, active phase array technology enabling the radar to achieve a longer detection range, high mission reliability and a multi-target tracking capability of up to 64 targets. It can also support high resolution target identification and separation, performing raid assessment at long range. as well as surface moving target detection and ranging. In the anti-shipping role the new radar provides long-range target detection, classification and tracking.
With high peak power the radar support simultaneous multi-mode operation. It can detect targets at very long range while tracking up to 64 targets, and, simultaneously engaging several targets with missiles. In ground attack missions the radar supports mapping, navigation and high resolution imagery (SAR), supported with Real Beam Map (RBM) and Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) modes. The EL/M-2052 is designed as a modular system, with built in growth capability, computation and memory reserves. Its weighs about 130 – 180kg and consumes 4 – 10KVA, depending on the design configuration.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2015/08/23/chinese-radar-strongly-resembles-israeli-product/
Chinese Radar Strongly Resembles Israeli Product
A Chinese avionics marketing and manufacturing firm has put Israeli-US relations under a microscope after marketing an advanced fire control radar identical to Elta's ELM-2052 active electronically scanned array (AESA).
Elta is the same Israeli state-owned subsidiary at the heart of an incendiary chapter in US-Israel relations that continues to reverberate 15 years after Washington forced Israel to cancel a controversial Phalcon airborne early warning aircraft contract with Beijing.
Beijing-based NAV Technology claims https://nav.sell.everychina.com/products.html in its 63-page product catalog to offer an unnamed AESA radar that is identical to the ELM-2052. The two-page description appears to be identical to current ELM-2052 product brochures distributed by Elta, including a photograph of the radar. Elta is a subsidiary of the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
HAL sticks with ELM-2052 AESA Radar for Tejas Mk1A, hints at advance and better derivate – Indian Defence Research Wing
3-4 minutes
SOURCE: IDRW NEWS NETWORK
With latest media reports hinting that indigenously developed UTAAM AESA Airborne AESA Fire Control Radar (FCR ) will be ready for integration and trials with new upcoming updated Tejas Mk1A within next one year, HAL Sources close to idrw.org have confirmed that the management is still sticking with the Israeli ELM-2052 AESA Fire Control Radar for Tejas Mk1A program and swapping Israeli AESA FCR with Indian AESA FCR is not been considered for time being for various reasons.
HAL source close to idrw.org confirms that LRDE and DRDO have kept IAF and HAL in the loop about progress made by the UTAAM Team on the LCA LSP-2 which has been Test-bed aircraft but the Test-bed (LSP-2) is now down for regular maintenance and weapons modes are yet to be activated and its software integration is yet to be performed which means Radar will take time to mature.
When asked about UTAM AESA FCR performing better than the ELM-2052 AESA FCR in developmental trials, idrw.org was informed that EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) equipped onboard the Jaguar DARIN III fighter jets of the air force have smaller antenna size and Power supply due to under-powered engine and smaller nose cone size found on the Jaguar fighter jets which came initially with very basic small radar system in the ’70s.
idrw.org was given hints that Tejas Mk1A will be getting advance derivative of the EL/M-2052 AESA FCR which has possible bigger antenna size and with additional Power supply option then what was procured by the HAL previously for the Jaguar DARIN III fighter jets. ELTA Website maintains that EL/M-2052 can weight from 80kg to 180kg depending on the size of the antenna used on the aircraft and requires a power supply from 3-10 kVA again directly related to antenna size which explains the claim made to idrw.org also confirming that their exits Modular hardware and software growth potential of the Radar on the offer.
HAL’s Mission & Combat System Research & Design Centre will be in charge to work closely with ELTA engineers for integration and testing of the EL/M-2052 AESA FCR when it is supplied for integration in 2021-22. ELTA engineers have a past history of working closely with the HAL engineers in Bangalore for MMR/2032 Hybrid Radar used on the Tejas Mk1 and ELM-2052 on Jaguar DARIN III fighter jets, they have assured full cooperation also on Tejas Mk1A program.
Uttam Mk2 Aesa Radar to get “Game Changer” rotating repositioner – Indian Defence Research Wing
2-3 minutes
SOURCE: IDRW NEWS NETWORK
Captor-E AESA FCR on rotating repositioner
In our previous report, idrw.org had revealed that DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) has started work on the development of upgraded Uttam Active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar (FCR) with the main antenna incorporating 992 arrays of TR modules instead of 780TR modules that is on the Uttam Mk1 radar antenna meant for Tejas Mk1A program.
Recently idrw.org has learned from the fresh tenders that has been issued that the Uttam Mk2 antenna will be mounted on a swashplate repositioner that enables the electronically scanned antenna, which is normally fixed in a forward position on a fighter aircraft, to be slewed to the left and to the right to increase its field-of-view this comes as a huge benefit during BVR [Beyond Visual Range] engagements when you don’t want to point the aircraft directly into a specific area.
The swashplate repositioner allows AESA radar to be pointed at the target without the aircraft’s nose pointing at it which minimizes the possibility of an opponent launching a missile toward the aircraft. The swashplate allows the pilot to take a beyond-visual-range missile shot and then turn 90 degrees while still giving mid-course updates to the missile fired.
Uttam Mk1 will be incorporated from the 21st Tejas Mk1A that goes into production from 2025-26 onwards. Uttam Mk2 is much smaller but packs more TR modules catering to the reduced nose section of the LCA AF-Mk2 with improved search and tracking capacities with the inclusion of the swashplate repositioner, Uttam Mk2 gets a large field of view that makes it possible to have a 140-degree search volume within a 200-degree look-angle around the nose of the aircraft.
Uttam AESA radar: Everything you need to know — Indian Defence News
by defenceupdate
8-10 minutes
The home-grown Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) seems to be making the right moves to get the attention of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
With the addition of AESA radar being one of the key features of Tejas MK1A, LRDE hopes that Uttam can even meet the schedules of the upgraded programme.
It has already completed more than 100 hours of flying on a hired aircraft and nearly 25 hours on Tejas test platforms. It is now confirmed that Uttam’s air-to-air mode and its sub-mode functionalities have been already tested.
Uttam is in competition with the Israeli Elta radar and the official word is not yet out on the question of how many Tejas MK1As (total 83) will be fitted with the desi technology.
Uttam Radar
The Uttam is an advanced active phased array radar (APAR) system being developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) for the HAL Tejas and other combat aircraft of Indian Air Force. Development of Uttam started in 2008 and it was first unveiled at Aero India 2009. Uttam is slated to be a successor to hybrid passive electronically scanned array radar EL/M-2032 currently equipping LCA Tejas. Radar is currently being integrated with an LCA.
Difference between AESA and PESA radar:
Conventional passive phased array radars have a single high power RF source (usually Travelling Wave Tube) at ‘back-end’ and RF signals are fed into slotted array antenna via a waveguide or coaxial tube. Introduction of the phase difference between each transceiver element allows the radiation pattern to be steered electronically. In the reception cycle, a PESA antenna cannot transmit. PESA radar has a light antenna which can be mounted on a mechanical steering mechanism thereby giving it a wide frontal coverage area or FOV.
Active phased array antennas have transmitter-receiver modules or transceiver module (TRM) built right into the antenna. A single array may feature hundreds or thousands of TRMs depending upon antenna size and operational requirement. Each TRM can either operate independently or under a hierarchy. Each TRM can generate and radiate its own signal of different phase and frequency as required, thus the transmitted signal is wideband in nature. Unlike PESA radar, signals can be transmitted and received simultaneously in an AESA radar. Active phased array antennas are usually heavier than slotted planner array antenna so it is difficult to mount them on a steering mechanism, which limits their field of view (FOV). Electronic steering is faster compared to mechanical steering but at high steering angle (90-120 degree) it may also increase side lobe power which is undesirable. FOV limitation can be mitigated by using a swash-plate repositioner.
Various aspects of Uttam AESA radar:
UTTAM has capabilities like, Identification friend or foe (IFF), electronic and communication support measures, C-band line-of-sight and Ku-band SATCOM datalinks, etc., similar to those on the AWACS and Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems (CAEW) systems.
The important modes of operation of the UTTAM radar system are the surface surveillance and the air surveillance. The sensor has the abilities to search, track-while-scan, priority tracking, high performance tracking, etc. In priority tracking, the targets will be placed in full track mode even if these cross the primary surveillance area. In high performance tracking, additional measurements are made to improve the tracking accuracy. Utilizing active aperture technology, the radar provides a fast-beam agile system that can operate in several modes concurrently.
Uttam features an active phased array (APAR) which gives it superior scanning performance over legacy passive phased array radar. Unlike most contemporary radars, Uttam features Quad TRM i.e. a single plank consists of 4 TRMs. It allows the array to be more densely packed. Each TRM is equipped with low noise power amplifier, built-in test facility, digital phase-gain, and side lobe control elements. The inert model displayed at Aero India 2015 had ~184 QTRMs i.e. 736 TRMs. The array temperature is controlled by a liquid coolant circulation system. The QTRM configuration makes Uttam maintenance friendly. The radar can be scaled up or down depending on antenna size requirement.
Uttam’s QTRM configuration
The radar is capable of tracking 100 targets simultaneously and engage 6 of them by SARH/ARH missiles in high priority tracking mode. For comparison, Elta EL/M-2052 is capable of tracking 64 targets in TWS mode.
In 2015 Uttam was stated to be capable of tracking a target having RCS of 2m2 at a distance of 92 kilometers. According to the new reports, the range has been increased to 150 kilometers for the target of the same RCS. In GMTT mode 2 targets can be tracked.
Uttam has over 16 different types of operational modes and the radar can operate in multiple modes simultaneously by changing modes pulse-to-pulse which gives the pilot exceptional situational awareness and mission flexibility.
LRDE hopes that Uttam can even meet the schedules of the upgraded programme.
It has already completed more than 100 hours of flying on a hired aircraft and nearly 25 hours on Tejas test platforms. It is now confirmed that Uttam’s air-to-air mode and its sub-mode functionalities have been already tested.
LRDE is hopeful that if all trials are completed in the decided time frame it might still be selected to be used on last batches of MK-1A if desired bythe customer. UTTAM Aesa Radar is most likely will be refined and re-tuned to be used on Indigenous developed Medium Weight Fighter (MCW)/(MWF) which was previously known as Tejas MK-2.
LRDE reportedly also has been tasked to develop a more powerful variant for India’s 5th Generation AMCA Fighter jet in near future.
FOCUS ON AIRBORNE RADAR FOR TEJAS
Hardware has already been realized for this radar which has a range of 100 km against small fighter sized targets and rooftop testing has been completed. Though the Uttam AESA currently weighs 120 kg which is some 40 kg more than the current MMR, there will be no problem in integrating it with the LCA Mk-II which can easily carry a radar of this weight. It is a 3D radar for fighters, a MMR follow on, the Active Phased Array Radar (APAR) project aims to field a fully fledged operational AESA fire control radar for the expected Mark-2 version of the Tejas.
This will be the second airborne AESA program after the AEW&C project and intends to transfer the success DRDO has achieved in the Ground based radar segment to airborne systems. The overall airborne program aims to prevent this technology gap from developing, with a broad based program to bring DRDO up to par with international developers in airborne systems: both fire control and surveillance. The earlier versions of radars has mechanically moving parts, whose output was painfully slow when compared to the new generation electronic technology. LCA also has a sophisticated fly by wire system and glass cockpit.
AESA in the LCAs will obviously have a lower range, but it will be well integrated within the IAF network, and give a quantum technology jump to IAF’s combat capabilities. Notably, the 36 Rafales being acquired by IAF in the Government-to-Government deal will also have the AESA radar, developed by Thales.
FUTURISTIC 360°-CAPABLE ANTENNA
Preliminary studies have been carried out at Center for Airborne Studies (CABS) for a possible optimal design of a futuristic antenna with the desirable 360°-vision for roles identified under various war situations. The unique aerodynamically-shaped delta radome will blend with the aerodynamics of the platform-aircraft to provide the required radar performance together with better operational economy by virtue of its better aerodynamics, reduced weight, and better or similar electro-magnetics. This radar may be dorsal or conformal fuselage mounted doubts still remain as not much is known about its specifications or configuration.
The foregoing summarises the efforts made by DRDO towards development of the AESA radar for its current and future AEW&C applications as well as for realising essential allied technologies. The necessary core competence to evolve futuristic applications in AESA radar has thus been adequately established.
Source:- Futureuniverse, Maxima Vigilantia Blog
Saab Completes First Air Trials of its New X-band AESA Radar
Saab, a provider of military defense and civil security services and solutions, has successfully completed the first air trials with its new fighter X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which will be offered as a new addition to Saab’s PS-05/A radar family. The new fighter X-band AESA radar performs better against small targets, has enhanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capability as well as an improved ability to support more advanced weaponry.
The radar is designed for fighter aircrafts and can be adapted to a variety of platforms. As Saab previously announced, a version of the new AESA antenna has been sold to a U.S. Government customer. This is an important step in the development of Saab’s fighter AESA radar. It has unveiled great possibilities for the radar, and its modular, adaptable and scalable design means it can also be used for a range of other applications.
The host aircraft during the air trial was a Gripen D aircraft, which is currently offered with Saab’s latest Mk4 radar. The new version of the radar can be offered to Gripen C/D operators, as an upgrade. The new AESA radar uses GaN, a material that gives lower power consumption and improved heat resistance. This enables wider bandwidth and greater reliability, availability, and efficiency.
The trials were successful and collected data while detecting and tracking objects.
https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2020/saabs-new-fighter-radar-in-the-air
South Korea's AESA Radar Technology to Benefit ROK Navy Programs - Naval News
Authors
4-5 minutes
The latest (01/2022) design of the future Ulsan-Class FFX Batch III frigate of the ROK Navy. DAPA image
AESA radar technology will be applied to most South Korean upcoming defense programs such as FFX Batch III, KDDX, KF-21 and L-SAM...
The AESA radar will be placed on the next Ulsan-class frigates (FFX Batch III), the first one of which will be delivered to the ROK Navy in 2024. The new radar by Hanwha Systems will improve anti-air and anti-ship operational capabilities. The Ulsan-class FFX Batch III will be 4,000 tons ships, meaning that the new FFX would be equivalent to the in-service Gwanggaeto the Great-class (also known as KDX I) destroyers in terms of firepower and defense capability.
In addition to the FFX, the next-generation of Korean destroyers known as KDDX will also have the AESA radar by Hanwha Systems. They will thus be able to detect and monitor up to 4,000 targets simultaneously thanks to the four phased array placed on each side of their integrated mast.
The Korean military and DTaQ (Defense Agency for Technology and Quality) explained that the previous destroyers used spinning radars that update target information by rotating 360 degrees for beaming. As the spinning radar had difficulties detecting inbound air threats such as fighter jets and missiles at very high speed, South Korea developed its own AESA non-rotating radar.
A key of the AESA radar are the transmitter and receiver (T/R) modules that simultaneously detects several targets at a distance far away. Small modules gathered in the AESA radar functions as separate radars that give the user 3D-based target information with distance, altitude, and bearing, even enabling missile guidance and interception or electronic warfare. Unlike the spinning radar which is vulnerable to enemy threats, the AESA radar can be installed inside the mast and easily repaired since it only requires the replacement of a single module if this one malfunctions.
Local reports added that the naval variant of L-SAM (long-range surface-to-air missile) will have the K-AESA radar, since the DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) gave a green light to the development of naval L-SAM for air defense at sea.
There had been domestic and overseas concerns that South Korea’s development and deployment of localized AESA radar will be challenging after the United States refused to provide Seoul with technical transfer of AESA-related knowledge, but South Korea has become the world’s 12th country that developed its own AESA radar in 2020, four years after the ADD (Agency for Defense Development) and Hanwha Systems started its development projects. Initial AESA radar development by Hanwha Systems was for South Korea’s domestic stealth fighter project known as KF-21.
Daehan Lee is a political, security affairs researcher who worked at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the People Power Party. Prior to his work in politics and diplomacy, Lee served for the Republic of Korea Navy as a secretary to the Vice Admiral and a translator for Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy, shortly working at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He writes about Korean naval acquisition and development. Fields of interest include maritime security, defense acquisition, Korean politics and foreign policy.
