BAE Systems is to receive the first ECRS Mk2 (European Common Radar System Mk2) from Leonardo for integration into the UK Typhoon fleet.
London, April 21, 2023: BAE Systems has delivered an ECRS Mk2 (European Common Radar System Mk2) prototype from Leonardo, the latest milestone in the ongoing development program for the UK Typhoon fleet.
The radar will now undergo integration work and ground testing in preparation for its first flight test aboard the Eurofighter Typhoon next year. It will be held at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Lancashire, England.
The ECRS Mk2 has an innovative multi-function array (MFA) capable of performing traditional radar functions such as search and targeting and electronic warfare missions. This means the Eurofighter Typhoon can detect enemy radar use with a powerful jamming attack and defend itself against a range of threats.
“This delivery marks the next big step in securing the Typhoon’s place on the future battlefield, ensuring the UK retains the freedom to provide air power where and when it is needed. The ECRS Mk2 will provide RAF pilots with the ability to detect, identify and suppress enemy air defences, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a powerful combination of lethality and survivability and survivability-enhancing capabilities for other friendly forces.” Mark Stead, Senior Vice President Radar and Advanced Marksmanship, Leonardo UK.
Richard Hamilton, Typhoon Program Director, Europe – BAE Systems Air, said: “The ECRS Mk2 radar is one of many key capabilities we are integrating to ensure it will be the backbone of air defense around the world for decades to come.
“With advanced mission systems, advanced sensors, weapons and displays, we provide a sovereign capability that will keep RAF pilots safe and ensure the UK has the capabilities to mature key technologies to support its future aviation ambitions.”
“The new radar is eagerly awaited as it will further enhance the Typhoon’s outstanding capabilities and keep it at the forefront of air combat for years to come.” Group Captain Matthew D’Aubin, Air Capability Typhoon Program Director, UK Ministry of Defence
Typhoon’s overall program supports 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK. ECRS Mk2 development work is securing 600 roles, including more than 300 at Leonardo’s Edinburgh site, 100 at Luton and 120 at BAE Systems in Lancashire. With a new radar and a wider suite of Typhoon improvements funded by the UK MOD, the combined program is expected to support 1,300 UK jobs.
With a view to future adoption of the ECRS Mk2, Leonardo in Italy is also contributing to the development, with engineers from Milan’s radar site Nerviano joining the team in Edinburgh. As a step towards Italy’s full participation in the ECRS Mk2 project, this collaborative system will facilitate the acquisition of design resources
In addition to their partnership to deliver the ECRS Mk2, Leonardo UK and BAE Systems are key members of the UK team that will deliver the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which will bring the sixth generation between the UK, Italy and Japan. The fighter jets will be in service by 2035. The companies’ involvement in both projects will create opportunities to build ECRS Mk2 technology and capabilities into the advanced electronics suite of the GCAP platform and vice versa, de-risking and accelerating both projects.
disclosure: BAE Systems
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