BAE Systems is preparing the fifth Eurofighter Typhoon instrumented production aircraft (IPA5) for flight testing with the new E-Scan active electronically scanned-array (AESA) radar.
The aircraft, which has been undergoing modifications and upgrades as part of the ongoing E scan radar development and integration programme, has been moved from the development hangar to the company’s Typhoon Final Assembly hangar at Warton, Lancashire, UK.
The move represents the completion of the modification and re-build phase, which commenced in collaboration with the Eurofighter and Euroradar consortiums in August 2012.
A series of tests, including dedicated fuel and hydraulic system testing, are planned for the aircraft before it conducts the first flight test.
Manufactured by the Euroradar consortium comprising Cassidian, Selex ES and Indra, the E-Scan is a next-generation mechanical multi-mode pulse doppler radar designed to bring new mission capabilities, such as simultaneous radar functionalities, air surveillance, air-to-ground and weapon control for Typhoon.
Also known as Captor-E AESA radar (CAESAR), the radar is also expected to enhance the aircraft’s effective air-to-air missile range and also enable faster and more accurate detection and tracking of multiple aircraft with reduced life cycle costs.
Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter manufactured by a consortium of EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE for deployment during air operations, including air policing, peace support and high-intensity conflict missions across the globe.
Currently operational with the air forces of Austria, Italy, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia and the UK, the swing role combat aircraft has also been ordered by the Royal Air Force of Oman.
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Image: The E-Scan radar is expected to enhance Typhoon’s capabilities and its desirability in the export market. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
