BAE Systems has taken delivery of the Leonardo ECRS Mk2 (European Common Radar System Mk2) prototype, marking the latest milestone in its ongoing development program for the UK Typhoon fleet.

The radar will now undergo integration work and ground tests in preparation for its first flight test aboard the Eurofighter Typhoon next year. It will take place at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Lancashire, UK.

The ECRS Mk2 features an innovative multifunction array (MFA) that can perform traditional radar functions such as search and target selection, as well as electronic warfare duties. This means the Eurofighter Typhoon will be able to find and deny use of enemy radars with a powerful electronic jamming attack, while remaining out of range of threats.

The General Typhoon program supports more than 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK. ECRS Mk2 development work secured 600 features, including more than 300 at Leonardo’s Edinburgh site, 100 in Luton and 120 at BAE Systems in Lancashire. With the new radar and broader Typhoon upgrade package funded by UK MOD, the combined program is expected to maintain up to 1,300 UK jobs.

With an eye to a possible future adoption of the ECRS Mk2, Leonardo in Italy also contributed to the development, with engineers from Leonardo’s Milan-based Nerviano plant joining the team in Edinburgh. As a step towards full Italian participation in the ECRS Mk2 program, this collaboration will enable the acquisition of system design capabilities that will ensure that the Italian MOD has sovereign control over the new radar system at every stage of its operational life.

In addition to their partnership to deliver the ECRS Mk2, Leonardo UK and BAE Systems are also core members of the UK team to deliver the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a partnership between the UK, Italy and Japan that will bring the sixth generation fighter into service in 2035. The company’s participation in both programs will create opportunities to develop the technology and skills from the ECRS Mk2 into the advanced electronics suite of the GCAP platform, and vice versa, reduce risk and accelerate both programs.

Cover image: BAE Systems