The information regarding the radar development project states that an S-band early warning radar with distance, speed, and direction finding capability will be developed for aircraft.
This is not only the first entry of Baykar into the radar development but also a signal of plans to develop UAV-based airborne early warning capability.
Possibility of Joint Development
While Baykar is no stranger to radars on UAVs with the recent integration and test flights of ASELSAN’s MURAD 100-A AESA radar onboard Akıncı UCAV, the firm would be forming its first radar division with this project as no radar development inside Baykar has taken place.
The recent Baykar-Leonardo joint venture might have a role in the development of the radar as the Italian partner is a long-standing developer of various aircraft radars like the Osprey family and Gabiano.
The Platform for Radar
Considering the current portfolio of Baykar’s UAV products, Akıncı is the candidate that is almost obvious due to its payload capacity, electrical power supply capacity, and endurance. However, integrating the radar is far more than finding a suitable platform.
As an early warning radar will be integrated, it will likely require a larger electrical power supply, which might necessitate the addition of extra power systems. Additionally, having a very large radar array to be placed externally requires considerable aerodynamic and structural design/analysis work.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
