Raytheon announced the first flight test of the PhantomStrike multi-function AESA radar being developed for lightweight combat aircraft and helicopters.
The new lightweight AESA radar was tested onboard the Multi-Program Testbed aircraft, which is a heavily modified Boeing 727 airliner with provisions for sensor integration and equipment to gather extensive data.
Raytheon is developing PhantomStrike as a lightweight solution for platforms such as light combat aircraft, loyal wingman UAVS, helicopters, and small towers, as the current line of U.S.-made radars is too large for said platforms.
The radar’s modes include air-to-air/surface targeting, SAR, and GMTI with digital beam forming/steering.
Platforms to Use the PhantomStrike Radar
PhantomStrike’s first recipient is planned as ROK’s FA-50 light combat aircraft within the scope of the Block 20 variant. FA-50 is currently using the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar, which lacks AESA technology, as an older radar. A similar case with FA-50 is TUSAŞ’s Hürjet, which will receive a version of ASELSAN’s MURAD AESA radar, making it the second aircraft in its class set to receive a multi-function AESA radar.
The radar might also be seen onboard the recently named CCA prototypes, GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A and Anduril’s YFQ-44A, as these platforms are being developed as air-to-air missile carriers and remote sensors for the manned aircraft.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
