One of the challenges in adopting the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar is the limited number of aircraft platforms that can use it. Because it is a relatively new and expensive type of radar, the AESA radar is mostly present for new types of fighter jets. However, recently there was news that older fighter jets such as the A-4 Skyhawk could also be fitted with AESA radar.
The installation of the AESA radar on the A-4 Skyhawk had invited questions, because the nose radome on the single engine fighter jet was too small for the AESA radar antenna cross section. Whether it's related or not, there's news that Raytheon has been promoting a low-cost version of the AESA radar that can be used widely across multiple platforms, which means it's not limited to just fighter jets.
Quoted from flightglobal.com (21/7/2022), Raytheon is promoting low-cost AESA radars aimed at a wide range of aircraft types, from legacy fighters to loyal wingman unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The solution offered by Raytheon is labeled PhantomStrike, and is optimized for platforms that have limited space, weight, and power.
“There is a huge market out there for upgrades, new planes, drones and helicopters. So we thought let's take some of the technology we have that's in development now or that we've been developing, and figure out how we can fit a small, high-performance radar into a limited [size, weight and power]," said Richard Sandifer, Raytheon. Intelligence & Space Executive.
This AESA radar is taken from the Raytheon project on programs such as the Patriot surface-to-air missile, which informs the array of gallium nitride (GaN) sensors. Essential for a radar designed for small platforms, the PhantomStrike adopts air conditioning to cut weight and complexity.
Sandifer said that this low-cost AESA radar could be installed on the Boeing T-7A, FA-50, and Northrop F-5 E/F Tiger trainer jets. Given its low cost, PhantomStrike can also be implemented to support sensors on drones.
Thermal testing of the PhantomStrike range shows that the system performs better than modeled. Next year, Raytheon plans to test fly the PhantomStrike aboard a Boeing 727-200 testbed. PhantomStrike will come in two array sizes; Raytheon has carried out compatibility checks with prospective user aircraft, in this case including the legendary F-5 Tiger fighter jet.
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PhantomStrike was developed with the international market in mind, which means that it can be obtained through direct commercial sales, as opposed to the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process which must involve the US government. In order to expand the business potential, Raython said that the PhantomStrike can also be produced outside the US.
“PhantomStrike costs half the price of modern radars. If you are looking for a radar with this performance in [aircraft] that can be attributed to its advanced quality, then PhantomStrike could be the solution,” Sandifer said in his promotion.
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