RTX’s Raytheon completes first PhantomStrike flight test

RTX's Raytheon has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft.



Above: Raytheon has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft.
Courtesy RTX


The flight test of PhantomStrike in Ontario, California, successfully tracked several airborne targets and accurately mapped the terrain.

PhantomStrike is a first-of-its-kind fully air-cooled, fire-control radar that’s designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting. At nearly half the cost of a typical fire control radar, it delivers superior radar capability due to its faster, more agile digital beam, advanced target detection and resistance to jamming.

Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon said: "The threat environment is evolving, and this test demonstrates how PhantomStrike can make enhanced situational awareness available to a broader set of our partners and allies – offering unparalleled performance and potential US weapons integration – at an affordable price.

"This next-generation radar dramatically changes how we identify and respond to threats."

PhantomStrike is a gallium nitride (GaN) powered radar that enables aircrew to see farther. It is designed for a range of platforms, including uncrewed and light-attack aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters and ground-based towers. It harnesses the fire control power of a fighter in its lightest form factor ever – weighing nearly half of a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

Production of the radars takes place in Forest, Mississippi, Tucson, Arizona and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.

Related

MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

Jersey Airport seeks UK counter-drone support after two nights of flight disruption
Control Tower at Jersey Airport
Jersey Airport seeks UK counter-drone support after two nights of flight disruption
Multiple flight diversions and cancellations sparked a police investigation and prompted fresh efforts to strengthen drone detection around Jersey Airport.
Aerospace

2 Nov 2026

“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 landing at Heathrow Airport
“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
The changes will increase the required transit time for passengers connecting between Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines.
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

Filtronic awarded UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance connectivity technologies
Advanced connectivity technologies
Filtronic awarded UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance connectivity technologies
As part of plans to develop the UK's high-capacity network capabilities, Filtronic has been awarded a UK Defence Innovation Contract to advance next-generation connectivity technologies.
Defence Member News

2 Nov 2026

New Belfast fabrication hall to support construction of Fleet Solid Support ships
Harland-Wolff Belfast
New Belfast fabrication hall to support construction of Fleet Solid Support ships
A new fabrication hall at Navantia UK’s Harland & Wolff site in Belfast will be the centrepiece of a £157 million investment programme across their four UK shipyards.
Defence Member News

2 Nov 2026

MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
Quantum Growth Alliance
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
The UK Space Agency has released a roadmap to deploy quantum sensors, secure communications, and GPS-independent navigation aboard satellites by 2035.
Security Space

30 Oct 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Cambridge Pixel radar tracker for Garmin radars
Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Support for Garmin's Fantom and GMR xHD marine radars gives maritime developers and systems integrators greater flexibility when selecting sensors for new projects.