The Eurofighter Radar Mk1 consortium partners Hensoldt and Indra have completed production of the first radars with the advanced processor and antenna power supply and control (APSC) subsystems.
ECRS Mk1 (Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1) is the Eurofighter-radar of the next generation for the air forces of Germany and Spain. Based on a multi-channel AESA and a high-end processor, ECRS Mk1 will enhance the capabilities of the Eurofighter, the Airbus for the German and Spanish air forces. The ECRS Mk1 architecture is designed to extend the full spectrum of combat missions, including advanced air-to-air and high-resolution air-to-ground operations as well as passive and active electronic warfare.
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In April 2024, the military customers in Germany and Spain decided to introduce advanced processor and antenna power supply and control (APSC) subsystems into the ECRS Mk1 Step 1.
“In less than 13 months, we have completed production of the first radars with this new hardware, and a comprehensive evaluation phase is well advanced. The new APSC and processor give Mk1 a significant performance boost, both for ultra-fast mode switching, real-time mission flexibility and for future autonomous, task-based and AI-assisted operations,” explains William Gautier, Technical Director for Eurofighter Radar at Hensoldt. “This new hardware is integrated into a robustly redesigned software that enables the full utilization of AESA multi-channel technology. Thanks to its modern architecture and design, ECRS Mk1 is also sustainable for customers in the long term.”
Borja Miño, Technical Director for Eurofighter Radar at Indra, said: “The new processor architecture brings significant improvements, including higher computational throughput, enhanced parallel processing capabilities and support for advanced signal processing algorithms. These improvements not only enhance current performance, but also provide the necessary headroom for future software developments and sensor fusion capabilities.”
38 Quadriga Eurofighters to replace Tranche 1
The first radar models will be used for extensive qualification and flight tests. The Mk1 Step 1 will demonstrate its performance during flight tests on board the German A320 ATRA Flying Testbed. Following evaluations and tests in the first half of 2025, Hensoldt and Indra plan to start series production of the Mk1 Step 1 this summer.
The ECRS Mk1 will be installed in Eurofighter Quadriga aircraft at Airbus Defense and Space in Manching, Germany, from 2027. Germany has ordered a total of 38 Quadriga Eurofighters (including seven training two-seaters) to replace the Tranche 1 Eurofighter. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2030.
Mk1 Step 1 will provide the German and Spanish air forces with robust air-to-air capabilities. Further software upgrades will develop the Mk1 radar into a fully-fledged multi-role radar that also covers air-to-ground and electronic warfare tasks. These will also enable task-based operation, reducing pilot workload while improving system performance.
Here for more Hensoldt news and here for more Eurofighter news.
