Leonardo has delivered the first example of the so-called Radar 2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) sensor for integration and testing on the Eurofighter Typhoon. 

The prototype sensor, also known as the European Common Radar System Mk. 2, was delivered to BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, England, in early April. There, BAE will fit the radar into a development aircraft ready for initial flight tests planned for next year, Leonardo announced April 21. 

Radar 2 is the third iteration of Eurofighter’s AESA sensor, but the most advanced yet, equipped with a multifunction array (MFA) that can perform both traditional radar functions such as search and targeting, as well as electronic attack tasks. 

Other iterations include Radar 0, which has entered service with the Kuwaiti and Qatar Emiri Air Force on both of their new Eurofighter fleets. There also is Radar 1, the development of which is being led by Hensoldt with support from Leonardo, which will equip new-build Eurofighters ordered by Germany and Spain.

Compared with the other versions, Radar 2 also will feature a new processor and receiver, along with a dedicated EW receiver and techniques generator, as well as a new system for rotating the swashplate. The latter gives the radar its increased field of view over fixed-position AESAs.  

“This delivery marks the next major step toward securing Typhoon’s place in the future battlespace, ensuring that the UK retains the freedom to deliver air power wherever and whenever it is needed,” said Mark Stead, senior vice president for radar and advanced targeting at Leonardo UK. 

Delivery of the radar follows the signing of a £2.35 billion ($2.9 billion) program last July to upgrade the radars and avionics of the Royal Air Force’s Tranche 3 Eurofighter Typhoons. An upgrade of the Tranche 2 aircraft could follow later. 

However, the program is slightly behind schedule. The first radar should have been delivered by the end of 2022, with the aim of beginning flight trials this year. But now initial operating capability with the radar is not expected until 2030. 

Though the upgrade originally was conceived as a UK-led effort, Italy is also considering it for its own Eurofighters. Leonardo engineers from the Italian defense electronics business based in Nerviano, Milan, are supporting their UK-based colleagues.  

Leonardo says the Anglo-Italian collaboration will “enable acquiring system design capabilities that will ensure that the Italian defense ministry has sovereign control over the new radar system at every stage of its operational life.” 

The UK and Italy also are working on the advanced electronics and sensors that will equip the fighter that emerges from the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) with Japan. Radar 2 technologies are expected to feed into that project, helping to reduce risk and accelerate the GCAP sensor development effort.