AESA Radar
AESA Radar
AESA Radar
An AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar) consists of many small solid-state
transmit-receive modules that are mounted on a flat panel. Each module can be individually
controlled to steer the radar beam electronically, without the need for any mechanical moving
parts.
AESA radar systems offer several advantages over older radar systems, including:
Increased detection range: Active Electronically Scanned Array radar systems can detect targets
at much greater distances than older radar systems, thanks to their high power and advanced
processing capabilities.
Improved accuracy: AESA radar systems are capable of generating extremely accurate radar
images, which can be used to precisely identify and track targets.
Multi-mode operation: AESA radar systems can operate in multiple modes, including air-to-air,
air-to-ground, and surface search modes. This makes them highly versatile and adaptable to a
variety of mission scenarios.
Increased reliability: AESA radar systems have no moving parts, which makes them less prone
to mechanical failure and easier to maintain.
Reduced vulnerability: AESA radar systems are less vulnerable to jamming and
countermeasures, thanks to their advanced signal processing capabilities and ability to rapidly
switch frequencies.
There are several types of AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar systems,
each with its unique features and capabilities. Here are some examples:
Air-to-air radar: Air-to-air AESA radar systems are designed to detect and track other aircraft in
the air. They typically operate at high frequencies and have a narrow beam width, which enables
them to detect targets at long ranges with high accuracy.
Air-to-ground radar: Air-to-ground AESA radar systems are designed to detect and track ground
targets, such as vehicles, buildings, and terrain features. They typically operate at lower
frequencies than air-to-air radar systems, and they have a wider beam width to provide a larger
coverage area.
Synthetic aperture radar (SAR): SAR is a type of AESA radar system that is used to generate
high-resolution images of the ground. It works by emitting a series of radar pulses and then
analyzing the echoes that bounce back from the ground. SAR systems can operate in all weather
conditions and are used for a variety of applications, including reconnaissance, mapping, and
disaster response.
Electronic attack radar: Electronic attack AESA radar systems are designed to jam or disrupt
enemy radar systems. They operate at high power and use advanced signal processing techniques
to identify and jam enemy radar signals.
Multi-mode radar: Multi-mode AESA radar systems are designed to operate in multiple modes,
including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and synthetic aperture radar modes. They offer a high degree
of versatility and can be adapted to a wide range of mission scenarios.
AN/APG-77 - developed by Northrop Grumman for use on the F-22 Raptor fighter
aircraft.
AN/APG-81 - developed by Raytheon for use on the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.
Zhuk-AE - developed by Phazotron for use on the Su-35 fighter aircraft.
EL/M-2052 - developed by Elta for use on the F-16 fighter aircraft.
Eurofighter Typhoon Captor-E - developed by Euroradar for use on the Eurofighter
Typhoon fighter aircraft.
AN/SPY-6 - developed by Raytheon for use on the U.S. Navy's new DDG-51 Arleigh
Burke-class destroyers.
The high resolution and accuracy provided by AESA radar are well-suited to the needs of
unmanned systems, which often operate in challenging environments and require advanced
sensing and situational awareness capabilities.
One of the key advantages of AESA radar technology in unmanned systems is its ability to
provide real-time, high-resolution 3D mapping and imaging of the environment. This enables the
unmanned system to detect and identify targets with greater accuracy and at greater distances,
avoid obstacles, and navigate complex terrain. AESA radar is also highly effective in detecting
low-observable targets such as small UAVs, which can be difficult to detect with conventional
radar systems. This is particularly important in military applications, where UAVs are
increasingly being used for surveillance and reconnaissance and may pose a threat to friendly
forces. AESA radar technology can be used to support other sensors and systems, such as
infrared sensors, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare systems, to provide a
comprehensive picture of the environment and enhance the overall situational awareness of the
unmanned system.
AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology is widely used in naval ships,
particularly in modern warships, due to its high performance, versatility, and reliability. AESA
radar systems provide several advantages over traditional mechanically scanned radar systems,
such as increased range, resolution, and sensitivity, and improved electronic countermeasures
(ECM) resistance. One of the key benefits of AESA radar in naval ships is its ability to provide
360-degree coverage of the ship's surroundings, enabling the ship to detect, track, and engage
multiple targets simultaneously. This is particularly important in naval operations, where ships
must operate in complex and crowded environments, and must be able to quickly detect and
respond to threats. Another advantage of AESA radar is its ability to adapt its beam direction and
shape to meet changing mission requirements, such as long-range detection, low-altitude
detection, or over-the-horizon detection. This enables the ship to optimize its radar performance
for specific operational scenarios, and to minimize the risk of detection by enemy radar systems.
CONCLUSION
AESA technology continues to evolve and improve and is now being incorporated into a wider
range of applications beyond military aircraft and ships, such as ground-based radar systems and
unmanned aerial vehicles