Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • MoD awards Leonardo A400M radar threat simulation contract

Defence

MoD awards Leonardo A400M radar threat simulation contract

Leonardo has announced a contract, signed with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to provide equipment that will simulate radar threats to the RAF's new A400M transport aircraft prior to take-off.


Courtesy MoD

By simulating threat radars while the aircraft is still on the ground, commanders will be able to ensure that the complex defensive aids suite fitted to the A400M will function correctly during flight and can, therefore, make an evidence-based decision on whether or not to commit to a mission in hostile territory.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The threat simulation equipment provided by Leonardo uses special Radio-Frequency (RF)-emitting ‘hoods’ which will cover the A400M’s sensors while the aircraft is still on the ground, stimulating its RF sensors with real radar energy. The MoD have procured one full system with through-life support, with additional orders anticipated as the RAF’s fleet size grows. As well as ensuring that the A400M’s defensive aids suite is working properly on a mission-by-mission basis, providing ‘capability assurance’ throughout the operational life of the A400M, the use of Leonardo’s equipment will also de-risk and reduce the cost of the aircraft’s flight trials, prior to entering RAF service, by ensuring that as much testing work as possible is carried out on the ground.

Most defensive aids suites, including that on the A400M, come with what is known as ‘built-in test equipment’ (BITE), which signals to the pilot that the equipment is working as designed. However, throughout the life of an aircraft  problems can emerge undetected as the aircraft is maintained and operated, for instance RF antenna head sensitivity can degrade, or they can be mistakenly installed incorrectly by being wired into the wrong aircraft quadrant. These type of  issues cannot be picked up by BITE, leaving a gap where the equipment is technically operational, but could still endanger the crew as the installation is not operationally effective and could provide limited or incorrect information to the pilot. Leonardo’s ‘capability assurance’ equipment and training closes this gap.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The UK-designed and built capability assurance solution is already in service with the UK’s Typhoon, Tornado, C130J, Wildcat, Merlin and Chinook fleets, making the A400M the 7th UK platform to benefit from using the kit. As well as custom-fitted ‘hood’ equipment specific to the A400M, Leonardo will also provide its off-the-shelf handheld threat simulator, allowing crews to conduct a last-minute check immediately before taking off for a combat operation.
 

Advertisement
PTC PTC
SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

UKI2S backs Cryogenx to tackle military heat stress

Defence

UKI2S backs Cryogenx to tackle military heat stress

15 July 2025

The UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, has invested £430,000 in Cryogenx as part of a £1.7 million seed funding round to accelerate development of its breakthrough portable cooling technology.

RTX

Defence

RTX's Raytheon awarded US Navy RAM GMLS contract

15 July 2025

RTX's Raytheon has been awarded a $74 million contract to produce RAM Guided Missile Launching Systems (GMLS) for the US Navy.

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

Defence Security Events

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

15 July 2025

Franchised distributor of electrical, electronic and optical connectors, Lane Electronics, will be exhibiting at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London) will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest connector technologies and its UK-based assembly and services.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Galvion to supply 5,000 more Batlskin Caiman helmets to Canadian DND

Defence

Galvion to supply 5,000 more Batlskin Caiman helmets to Canadian DND

15 July 2025

Galvion has received a second follow-on order from the Department of National Defence (DND) Canada for its flagship Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet systems.

Systematic launches SitaWare BattleCloud

Defence

Systematic launches SitaWare BattleCloud

15 July 2025

C4ISR solutions developer Systematic, today announced the launch of SitaWare BattleCloud — a cloud-native evolution of the proven SitaWare Suite — alongside new features for the SitaWare suite.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025