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Saab has revealed a new variant of the PS-05/A radar for the Gripen C/D fighter aircraft that the company claims more than doubles the detection performance of the current system, the company told reporters at its Linkoping site on 27 April.
The upgraded radar, designated PS-05/A Mk4, features a new hardware and software, with the primary changes being in the system's 'back end'. A mechanically scanned radar, the Mk4 will offer a 150% increase in high-altitude air-to-air detection ranges over the current Mk3 radar by the time development is complete in 2017.
As well as enhancing the detection distance, the Mk4 radar will be able to detect and track smaller targets at the same ranges. While at high altitude the in-service Mk3 radar can detect a target with a radar cross-section (RCS) of approximately 0.4 m 2 (the size of a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft) at a distance of 'X', at the same range the Mk4 system will be able to see a target with an RCS of 0.1 m 2 (the approximate size of an air-to-air missile or 'stealth' aircraft').
In the air-to-air mode at low altitude, the Mk4 will provide a 140% improvement over current capabilities by 2017. These air-to-air modes have been implemented and demonstrated, the company said.
In addition to improving detection ranges, the Mk4 will allow for the full integration of modern weapon systems, such as the Raytheon Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) C-7, the Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder, and the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.
Jan Qvillberg, head of product area fighter radar and datalink at Saab's Airborne Surveillance Systems/Electronic Defence Systems, said the internally funded project has yet to be taken up by any current Gripen operators. He noted it will probably require a commitment from the Swedish Air Force before any other customers take it up.
While the radar is compatible with other aircraft types (including fighters, trainers, and unmanned aerial vehicles), Qvillberg said the company currently has no plans to integrate it onto any type beyond the Gripen C/D.
The upgraded radar, designated PS-05/A Mk4, features a new hardware and software, with the primary changes being in the system's 'back end'. A mechanically scanned radar, the Mk4 will offer a 150% increase in high-altitude air-to-air detection ranges over the current Mk3 radar by the time development is complete in 2017.
As well as enhancing the detection distance, the Mk4 radar will be able to detect and track smaller targets at the same ranges. While at high altitude the in-service Mk3 radar can detect a target with a radar cross-section (RCS) of approximately 0.4 m 2 (the size of a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft) at a distance of 'X', at the same range the Mk4 system will be able to see a target with an RCS of 0.1 m 2 (the approximate size of an air-to-air missile or 'stealth' aircraft').
In the air-to-air mode at low altitude, the Mk4 will provide a 140% improvement over current capabilities by 2017. These air-to-air modes have been implemented and demonstrated, the company said.
In addition to improving detection ranges, the Mk4 will allow for the full integration of modern weapon systems, such as the Raytheon Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) C-7, the Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder, and the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.
Jan Qvillberg, head of product area fighter radar and datalink at Saab's Airborne Surveillance Systems/Electronic Defence Systems, said the internally funded project has yet to be taken up by any current Gripen operators. He noted it will probably require a commitment from the Swedish Air Force before any other customers take it up.
While the radar is compatible with other aircraft types (including fighters, trainers, and unmanned aerial vehicles), Qvillberg said the company currently has no plans to integrate it onto any type beyond the Gripen C/D.
