Highly Capable Solutions, Advanced Technology Transfer
In partnership with Indian industry, Saab is offering a complete fighter sensor package for the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft, consisting of an Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar integrated with a compact EW suite using Gallium Nitride-based (GaN) AESA technology.
The radar, with air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea capabilities, is developed by Saab, with antenna technology based on the latest technologies using GaN and Silicone Carbide (SiC) substrates in combination with the latest generation of exciter/receiver and processor technology, giving optimum installed performance in a dense signal environment.
The EW suite is a highly capable and extremely compact solution that provides essential situational awareness and self-protection. The heart of the suite is an EW receiver connected to a front-end receiver and fin tip antennae inside the aircraft, with an external AESA jammer pod included. The radar warning system is based on ultra-wideband digital receivers and has a very high probability of intercept, very good sensitivity and very high selectivity for handling complex signal environments.
The AESA jammer pod is small in size, low on weight and drag. Self-protection is based on Wideband Digital RF Memory (DRFM) that provides advanced jamming techniques and arbitrary combination of jamming waveforms. Transmission is performed by using GaN-based AESAs. The EW suite also includes ground support systems and recording capability for advanced mission planning and post-flight analysis.
Saab’s solutions are based on the latest state-of-the-art technologies and COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) available. The AESA fighter radar and electronic warfare units have no ITAR-restricted components, due to the high degree of Saab in-house developed and manufactured building blocks.
“In our partnership, the transfer of technology will secure an indigenous Indian capability for series production, maintenance, repair and overhaul capability. Testing and development of the fighter sensor package will have synergies with the systems developed for GRIPEN,” says Anders Carp, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area.
