7 May 2020: In the latest milestone, Saab has successfully completed the first air trials with the new X-band AESA radar, collecting data while detecting and tracking objects.
The AESA radar is a new addition to Saab's PS-05/A radar family and is specially designed for fighter aircraft. A version of the new AESA antenna has been recently sold to a US Government customer.
The new AESA radar features
- GaN, a material that gives lower power consumption and improved heat resistance.
- This in turn enables wider bandwidth and greater reliability, availability and efficiency.
- It has better performance against small targets, enhanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capability
- It has improved ability to support more advanced weaponry.
"This is an important step in the development of our new fighter AESA radar. We see great possibilities for the radar, and its modular, adaptable and scalable design means it can also be used for a range of other applications", said Anders Carp, SVP and head of Saab's business area Surveillance.
The host aircraft during the air trial was a Gripen D aircraft, which is currently offered with Saab's latest Mk4 radar. The new version of the radar can be offered to Gripen C/D operators, as an upgrade.