Theme: Light Figthers MT 2/2023 · 27 This is useful also for combat trainers, which capabilities can more easily mirror or simulate principal combat aircraft’s behaviors. For both fighters and trainers, advanced sensors also enable them to carry precision weapons, a key capability for todays and future scenarios. Still, size does matter. Combat trainers will not be able to train pilots for every combat-aircraft eventuality and light fighters will not be able to perform every medium/heavy combat aircraft role. But they both will be able to contribute enough. capable solutions. Skyward-G’ IR sensor weights less than 25kg and fits on the nose of the JAS-39E, while its processing unit weights less than 15kg. Despite its small weight and size, it can track up to 200 targets. For long range engagements the FOV can be narrowed (8º x 6.4º), while for close engagements and highly maneuvering targets a medium FOV can be selected (15º x 12.8º). The Skyward system could fit in a pod too, for use by other aircraft types. Regarding other light fighters, an Indian DRDO IRST is planned for the Tejas Mk2 while the JF-17 relies on its Aselsan Aselpod IR targeting pod and no integrated IR sensor is planned so far. Electronic suites Once again, the JAS-39E/F‘s total electronic suite can be taken as a point of reference to highlight how miniaturization allowed for lightweight systems adaptable to light fighters. The solution chosen for the Gripen includes an Integrated Electronic Warfare System (IEWS) based on Radar Warning Receivers (RWR, four antennas at the wingtips) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM, six antennas at the wingtips and fin-top). The ECM system uses GaN semi-conductors, which maximize effects while reducing energy consumption - a rare resource onboard light fighters. Furthermore, the suite is presented as capable of countering enemy AESA radars. In addition to the IEWS, there is a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS, six sensors around the fuselage). The IEWS and MAWS provide 360º coverage. The data from the IEWS and MAWS combine with the AESA radar (Raven) and the IRST (Skyward-G) through datalink processing. Data processing is the key for the effectiveness of the Gripen E/F‘s electronics suite. An electronic suite comparable in its elements to the Gripen E/F‘s is being produced for the Tejas Mk2. In addition to the AESA radar (Uttam Mk2) and an IRST, systems are to include RWR, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS), MAWS and datalink. If India succeeded, it would be the demonstration that even fighter lighter than Gripen can now feature a complete suite under all aspects. The IR-warning aspect of electronic systems has become the most urgent and needed. This is why Leonardo has even installed a six-sensor 360º MAWS in its relatively light M-346FA. And the company has produced a further light six-sensor 360º MAWS, the Multiple Aperture Infrared System, its sensors weighing less than 2kg each, with a 15KG central processing unit. Does size matter? Radars, sensors, and electronic suites available for light fighters are growing in number and capabilities. Sensors are being miniaturized, their weights reduced, while data processing capability is being increased. Frontal view of the Saab JAS-39E Gripen. Well evident the Skyward-G IRST lightweight IRST on the nose. The solution can be adjusted to suit smaller fighters. (Photo: Saab) Detail of JAS-39E’s ECM sensors integrated into the aircraft wingtip. (Photo: Saab) f h
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