New radar installed on Typhoon for upcoming flight trials PHOTO

A Typhoon fighter jet has been equipped with the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 Radar, a cutting-edge radar developed by Leonardo UK.

This integration is part of a broader £2.35 billion investment aimed at upgrading the capabilities of the Typhoon, Uk Defence Journal reports.

The radar, featuring a multi-functional array (MFA), enables the Typhoon to detect, identify, and track multiple targets simultaneously in the air and on the ground, and also execute electronic warfare tasks.

The prototype radar, which has undergone ground testing at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, Lancashire, has been installed on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft (BS116) by BAE Systems.

This installation marks a preparatory phase for initial flight trials.

Lyndon Hoyle, Typhoon Delivery Team Head, spoke on the latest advancement, saying, “This is the latest step in our mission to work alongside the RAF and Industry in harnessing the technology we need to develop cutting-edge capabilities that can deliver a competitive edge for the UK Armed Forces of tomorrow.”

The next steps involve further testing and ground runs at Warton, leading up to the planned initial flight trials later in the year.

Andy Holden, Radar Delivery Director at BAE Systems’ Air sector, highlighted the strategic importance of this upgrade for the Typhoon, saying, “Equipping the aircraft with this prototype radar moves us a step closer to delivering new capability which ensures Typhoon’s role as the backbone of combat air defence for decades to come.”