Advanced subsystems enhance Eurofighter Radar Mk1

Image courtesy Hensoldt

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”, explained 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, said: “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 multirole radar including air-to-ground and electronic warfare tasks. Those will also enable task-based operation to reduce pilot workload whilst improving system performance.