AESA Radar For Tejas MK1A Flight Tested Successfully

Thales has developed an active array radar that will be fitted on 80 Tejas Mk1A multi-role light combat aircraft (LCA) operated by the Indian Air Force. The lightweight, compact active array radar was developed to meet the Tejas’s manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s requirements. Earlier this year, flight tests were conducted at Cazaux air base in France to measure the radar’s performance level. Tests carried out on a test bench aircraft, the flights proved that the radar is fully operational and meets the specific requirements of HAL for its combat and air superiority missions. In just four months, thanks to Thales solid, proven experience with the RBE2, they been able to carry out successful flights to test the performance of the key features of the radar being offered for the Tejas Mk1A light fighter. The advanced fire control radar (FCR), which employs active electronically scanning array (AESA) technology, can be used for air-to-air superiority and strike missions. It is capable of achieving long detection ranges, high mission reliability and multi-target tracking capabilities. Thales said that the radar provides simultaneous modes of operation that support multi-mission capabilities for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea operation modes and weapon deployment.