Advanced subsystems give Eurofighter Radar Mk1 significant performance boost
The Eurofighter Radar Mk1 Consortium partners HENSOLDT and Indra have completed the production of the first radars with the advanced subsystems for the Processor and the Antenna Power Supply & Control (APSC).
ECRS Mk1 (Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1) is the next-generation Eurofighter Radar to be fielded by the air forces of Germany and Spain. Based on a multi-channel AESA and high-end processor, ECRS Mk1 will uplift the capabilities of the Eurofighter, which Airbus produces for the German and Spanish air forces. ECRS Mk1 architecture is designed to enhance the full range of fighter missions including Advanced Air-to-Air, High-Resolution Air-to-Ground as well as both passive and active electronic warfare capabilities. It has been contracted in 2020.
In April 2024, the military Customers in Germany and Spain decided to introduce advanced subsystems for the Processor and the Antenna Power Supply & Control (APSC) into the ECRS Mk1 Step 1.
“In less than 13 months, we have completed the production of the first radars with this new hardware and a comprehensive assessment phase is well advanced. The new APSC and Processor give Mk1 a significant boost in performance, both for ultra-fast mode switching, real-time mission flexibility, and future autonomous task-based and AI-supported operations”, explains Dr. William Gautier, Technical Director Eurofighter Radar at HENSOLDT. “This new hardware is integrated with a robustly refactored software that enables full exploitation of AESA multi-channel technology. Also, thanks to its modern architecture and design ECRS Mk1 is sustainable by Customers in the long run.”
Borja Miño, Technical Director Eurofighter Radar at Indra, stated: “The new processor architecture also brings major improvements, including increased computational throughput, enhanced parallel processing capabilities, and support for advanced signal processing algorithms. These enhancements not only improve current performance but also provide the necessary headroom for future software evolutions and sensor fusion capabilities.”
The first radar models will be used to perform extensive qualification and flight testing. The Mk1 Step 1 will demonstrate its performance during flight tests onboard Germany’s ATRA Flying Testbed.
Following evaluations and tests during first half of 2025, HENSOLDT and Indra plan to release series production of the Mk1 Step 1 during summer 2025. ECRS Mk1 will be fitted to Eurofighter Quadriga Aircrafts at Airbus Defence and Space in Manching, Germany.
Mk1 Step 1 will provide robust air-to-air capability to the German and Spanish air forces. Further software upgrades will evolve the Mk1 radar into a full multi-role radar including air-to-ground and electronic warfare tasks. Those will also enable task-based operation to reduce pilot workload whilst improving system performance.
Press contact
Our company
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence.
In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2024, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 2.24 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 9,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
About INDRA
Indra (www.indracompany.com) is one of the leading global technology and consulting companies, world leader in engineering technology for aerospace, defense and mobility business, and that heads digital transformation consultancy and information technologies in Spain and Latin America through its affiliate Minsait. It is the technology partner for digitalization and core business operations of its customers worldwide thanks to its business model, based on a comprehensive range of proprietary products, with a high-value end-to-end focus and a high degree of innovation. Sustainability is part of its strategy and culture, to face present and future social and environmental challenges. In the financial year 2022, Indra achieved revenue totaling €3.851 billion, with more than 57,000 employees, local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.
Press Contact
Antonio Tovar / +34 683 667 916 / atovar@indra.es