Posted on 03/22/2012 9:26:02 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Cassidian proves capabilities of a new e-scan radar demonstrated by simulation study
15:48 GMT, March 22, 2012 Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has demonstrated, in a simulation study, the operational advantages of the Eurofighter’s future e-scan radar and has introduced the first pilots to the particular features of this technology.
The two-year study was carried out under contract to the military procurement office, which is the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use (BAAINBw), in cooperation with IABG GmbH in Munich/Ottobrunn. For several years, IABG has been operating a man-in-the-loop simulator (MILSIM) to simulate realistic mission scenarios for German Air Force aircraft, such as the Eurofighter. The objective of the study was to compare, under realistic conditions, the new electronic beam scanning radar technology with the radar currently in use, which is based on mechanical antenna control. The results were intended to be used to demonstrate the technical and operational advantages of the e-scan radar with wide field of regard and to develop options for improvement of the future behaviour of the pilots during missions.
“Our e-scan software has demonstrated that target detection is much better and target tracking more stable with the new technology, which means that both mission success and safety of pilots can be enhanced,” explains Elmar Compans, Head of the Sensors & Electronic Warfare unit at Cassidian.
In contrast to conventional radars, an e-scan radar onboard the Eurofighter can perform several tasks practically simultaneously. The term “e-scan” results from the fact that the radar beam is basically steered electronically. Unlike traditional radars with mechanical steering, the transmitting energy does not originate from a central transmitter, but is generated by more than 1,000 transmit/receive modules (TRM). Operating the largest European assembly line for such radar modules, Cassidian is the pioneer of this technology in Europe.
Cassidian
Company or Organisation Portrait:
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising the Divisions Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 121,000.
I’m puzzled. The illustration shows a phased array “e-scan” antenna on gimbals?
I like watching the dish go round and round. What flavor of gimbals?
Lime and coconut.
I guess that big Wok in the nose is so the pilot can make lunch on long trips.
I guess you are referring to the Swashplate concept-
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-fly-selex-aesa-radar-on-eurofighter-typhoon-338534/
A swashplate??? That’s even worse than a gimbal!
Why do they need mechanical steering of an electronically steerable array?
Alien technology:
I did not dare to go back towards the pit, but I felt a passionate longing to peer into it. I began walking, therefore, in a big curve, seeking some point of vantage and continually looking at the sand heaps that hid these new-comers to our earth. Once a leash of thin black whips, like the arms of an octopus, flashed across the sunset and was immediately withdrawn, and afterwards a thin rod rose up, joint by joint, bearing at its apex a circular disk that spun with a wobbling motion. What could be going on there?
If there was no mechanical repositioning, you would be blind to threats that were to the sides or slightly behind.
Me? I would have gone for a domed array rather than planar. It would accomplish much the same effect, with no moving parts to break or jam.
Of course it would be more computationally intense...
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