A Spanish Eurofighter conducted the first test flight with the E-Scan radar system which will replace the older mechanically scanned Captor-M in the Spanish and German fleets.
The Spanish Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons have started testing the Captor-E ECRS Mk1 E-scan radar. The E-Scan radar is slated to enter service with a total of 126 airframes in both the Spanish and German Typhoon fleets. The electronically scanned radar will be integrated into the latest generation Eurofighters of Spain’s ‘Halcón’ and Germany’s ‘Quadriga’ orders.
The initial order for the next-generation electronically scanned array radar was issued in 2020. The new radar will enhance the Eurofighter’s capabilities in multimode air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, said Airbus.
ESCAN radar takes to the skies in a Spanish #Eurofighter in a first test flight, conducted in close collaboration with the @EjercitoAire and @Defensagob.
Enhancing the Eurofighter’s capabilities in multimode air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, the electronically scanned… pic.twitter.com/3X224GzbyD
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) December 2, 2024
The ECRS E-Scan Radar
On Nov. 19, 2014, Defense Ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain met in Edinburgh, Scotland to sign a €1 billion contract for the development of a world-leading electronic radar system for the Eurofighter Typhoon. This would eventually give birth to the Captor-E and the future ECRS E-Scan radars.
According to BAE Systems, the “E-Scan is an electronically scanning radar that allows the pilot to see quicker and further than ever before.” The E-Scan is “more responsive, more agile, and with a greater capability” compared to the mechanically steered M-Scan radar. The E-Scan uses over 1,000 modules that are steered electronically, and can reposition itself within a millisecond.
However, “the MSCAN radar, which is on the fleet today, will also be sustained and there will be a series of capability upgrades in the forward plan to ensure operational capabilities are maintained” according to the Eurofighter consortium.
Some of the features of the E-Scan include a greater field of regard, more radar power and automated multi-mode operation. More detection range and automated functions will also reduce pilot workload, while increasing situational awareness as well – a key factor in modern air combat. The E-Scan offers the Eurofighter pilot a significant tactical advantage and, when coupled with the platform’s inherent power and agility, it means the Typhoon will continue to be a potent performer for the future.
Three different ECRS variants
The three different variants of the radar include the ECRS (European Common Radar System) Mk 0, the core product, the ECRS Mk 1, developed by Indra and Germany’s Hensoldt, and the ECRS Mk 2. The ECRS Mk 2 is currently under development by the UK’s BAe Systems and Italy’s Leonardo companies and will equip the RAF fleet.
The ECRS Mk 0 was first flight tested on Jul. 8, 2016, in the UK, and now equips the Typhoons of the Kuwaiti Air Force and Bahraini Air Force. The ECRS Mk 2 is still under testing and conducted its first test flight in September 2024.
The Mk 1, whose prototype was tested this week, is scheduled to be delivered by mid-decade. According to Janes, Airbus, through its subcontractors Hensoldt and Indra, created a new digital multichannel receiver to transform the baseline ECRS Mk 0 into the ECRS Mk 1.
Serial production will be split between Germany and Spain. Eurofighter will continue to support both the mechanically scanned CAPTOR-M radar for Typhoon as well as the CAPTOR-E while also pursuing the ECRS Mk 1 program. This will ensure that Typhoon operators around the world have an up-to-date capability for their fleet.
A major part of the design of the Mk 1 will derive from Hensoldt’s experience as one of the world’s leading radar manufacturers, as well as its involvement in both the mechanically scanned CAPTOR-M radar and the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) CAPTOR-E for the Typhoon. HENSOLDT already provides antenna, receiver, and processor components as well as other electronics for the CAPTOR-E.
The different variations of the radar are tailored to different operational requirements of the Eurofighter operators as well, but there is a common integration program allowing to cater for these differences without such a steep price. This approach allows for flexibility with the requirements of the respective Air Forces.
The test flight and Spanish Air Force Typhoons
The first test flight of the new E-Scan radar took place aboard a Spanish Air Force Typhoon, tail number C.16-70 and registration 14-28. The test flight departed from Getafe Air Base, Spain, one of the largest Spanish Air Force air bases and home of Airbus Spain’s facilities.
The Spanish Air Force currently operates a total of 68 Eurofighters, composed of 17 Tranche 1, 32 Tranche 2 and 19 Tranche 3 airframes. The country has also ordered 20 Tranche 4 and 25 Tranche 4+ aircraft under the Halcon I and Halcon II programs respectively, which are slated to be delivered starting 2026. The future tranches will be equipped with the new E-Scan radar from the factory, while some of those currently in service will also be upgraded to the more advanced system.
