Company to Contribute to Hensoldt-Led Typhoon Sensor Variant

Leonardo, design authority for the Kuwait, Qatar and UK variants of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s E-Scan radar systems, has won contracts worth €260million ($297million) to work on the version to be fitted to German and Spanish jets.

The history of the Typhoon’s AESA radar is a complicated and convoluted one. Announced as being under development in 2012, the first Typhoon users to order the sensor were Kuwait and Qatar. The  Royal Air Force developed a different requirement for a multi-function array, leading to parallel development of systems with different capabilities and programme timescales.

The three different radars have been referred to by several different names during the programme’s life but, in confirming its work on the German and Spanish systems, Leonardo gives the names ECRS (European Common Radar System) Mk0, Mk1 and Mk2. Mk0 is the system ordered by Kuwait and Qatar; Mk1 the Germany/Spain system; and Mk2 the UK version. Leonardo is the design authority for Mk0 and Mk2, while Hensoldt is leading the Mk1 programme. Leonardo is “providing enablers to Hensoldt to assume the leadership role for the ECRS Mk1,” the company states.

Leonardo’s work on the Mk1 systems includes production of the core antenna, antenna power supply and control, and processor components; and development work on wideband capabilities which will extend range and accuracy. The first Mk1 radar is expected to be completed in 2025. Integration onto German and Spanish aircraft will be completed by Airbus.