1

Aerospace System Improvements Enabled By

Modern Phased Array Radar
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
Baltimore, Maryland
October 2002
Robert Hendrix
Chief Engineer Airborne Surveillance Systems
(410) 765 3101 / (253) 773-2333
[email protected]

ABSTRACT
Modern Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Intelligence, Surveillance and Re-
connaissance (C4ISR) Systems are providing unprecedented advances in national defence capabil-
ity. The paper discusses the contribution that modern phased array radar enables in C4ISR aero-
space systems and their role in network centric operations.
Phased array radar advancements for aerospace platforms are reviewed from a historical and tech-
nology viewpoint. The operational considerations that are unique to modern phased array radar are
discussed along with their impact in optimising system effectiveness and their contribution in devel-
oping the Common Tactical Picture for integrated air and ground operations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Hendrix (Bob) is Chief Engineer for Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Airborne Surveil-
lance Systems in Baltimore Maryland. Northrop Grumman is a leading supplier of modern C4ISR
systems including platforms, sensors, systems, and architectures for AWACS, J STARS, 737
AEW&C, Global Hawk, F22 and J oint Strike Fighter. Mr. Hendrix joined what was the Westinghouse
Electric Defence Electronics in 1962 as an Electrical Engineer. He has worked in electrical design
and systems engineering on airborne, surface, and subsurface radar systems within the company
since that time. Mr. Hendrix earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from
the University of Maryland in 1963, his Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Uni-
versity of Pittsburgh in 1968, and continued postgraduate work at the University of Maryland and
George Washington University. He is currently developing modern C4ISR systems.



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Aerospace System Improvements Enabled By
Modern Phased Array Radar
1. INTRODUCTION
Phased array radar advancement has led to unprecedented advances in aerospace platforms and
to national defence capability. Phased array radar for airborne platforms is reviewed from a histori-
cal and technology viewpoint. Then operational capabilities enabled by phased array radar are dis-
cussed for several key platforms. Finally, the use of phased arrays to develop a Common Tactical
Picture of air and ground targets is discussed.
2. PHASED ARRAY RADAR SYSTEMS
The systems that are addressed here are systems in which Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
(ES) have been involved. Northrop Grumman ES, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland USA, is a
world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defence electronics and systems, pre-
cision weapons, airspace management systems, space systems, marine systems, and automation
and information systems. Since World War II Northrop Grumman has delivered over 50,000 air-
borne radars, and is currently providing airborne radars on 21 aircraft types in 26 Nations.
Northrop Grumman ES has been designing and perfecting airborne radar systems for over 60
years, however the heritage of the phased array radar and particularly, Active Electronically
Scanned Array (AESA) is relatively short. In fact, our first passive phased array radar was con-
structed in 1974 and the first active phased array was built just 17 years ago in 1985. This break-
through in technology allowed for the demonstration of the concept of steering beams generated by
distributed transmit and receive modules.
Our 2nd generation AESA was the first to fly just three years later. This 2nd generation AESA was
the first AESA to proceed to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase. Our 3rd gen-
eration AESA met the high performance requirements in clutter, which mechanical or passive elec-
tronically scanned arrays are unable to meet. With the high performance standard set, we focused
on reducing cost and weight.
This led to our 4th generation AESA that is half the cost and weight of the 3rd generation AESA.
The 4th generation AESA design requirements were the result of merging requirements for air-
borne, sea based, and land based platforms. Due to the nature of the changing defense environ-
ment dictating commonality across the services and our own limited research and development
funds, drives one to the practical decision of seeking common solutions. This 4th generation AESA
and its associated T/R modules achieve the design commonality while satisfying unique airborne,
sea borne and ground based platform requirements with high performance to meet the mission
needs.
The first generation airborne surveillance radar array was the Airborne Warning And Control System
(AWACS) Brassboard radar antenna system. This antenna employed passive phased shifters on
each of 28 sticks of the antenna, which were used to electronically scan the antenna to obtain
height measurement and stabilize the beam to compensate for aircraft roll and pitch.
2.1 Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) Timeline:
Northrop Grumman ES is a world-leading producer of active aperture antennas. Figure 1.1 shows
the evolution of our fire control radar active aperture development programs beginning with the 1st
generation active aperture antenna in 1985 and covering up to our 5th generation multi-function ar-
ray in 1998. The 4th generation active aperture (F-22) antenna is completing an EMD development
3
phase and moving towards production. The 5
th
generation active aperture antenna has completed
initial development and is being leveraged into emerging development programs such as J SF.

Figure 2.1-1. Airborne Fire Control Radar Active Aperture Development
Current development efforts are focused on the 5
th
generation antenna development. Architectures
are being investigated for the sixth generation active aperture as well, and key technologies are be-
ing identified and developed. Key programs included in the roadmap include the development of a
Ka-band tile and the Reconfigurable Array (RECAP). The Ka-band development effort has strategic
significance to ES in the areas of radar as well as SATCOM.
Airborne Fire Control Radar Active Aperture Development
1974 First development stages of EAR
1977 EAR Flight-tested
1985 URR First active aperture (1
st
Generation)
1988 First to fly (2
nd
Generation)
1989 ATF Concept Definition Phase for F-22
1991 Awarded F-22 Contract
1995 First to E&MD (3
rd
Generation)
Six units in test
High performance in clutter
1997 Range tested APG-77 (4
th
Generation)
1998 Launched 4
th
Generation AESA
Airborne Surveillance Radar Active Aperture Development
4thGeneration
MESA 2002
2nd Generation
AST/AR 1989
1st Generation
AWACS 1972
3rdGenertion
Advance Surveillance
Testbed 1994
4thGeneration
MESA 2002
2nd Generation
AST/AR 1989
1st Generation
AWACS 1972
3rdGenertion
Advance Surveillance
Testbed 1994

Figure 2.1-2. Airborne Surveillance Radar Phased Array Development
4
1970 First ultra low sidelobe phased array developed
1972 Phased array AWACS Brassboard radar system flight tested
1974 Full Scale Development of AWACS
1982 Development of J STARS radar system (Norden Systems)
1989 First ultra low sidelobe active phased array developed (AST/AR)
1994 Flight test of Advanced Airborne Surveillance Testbed Radar (MCARM)
1998 Prototypes of Multirole Electronically Scanned Array Radar/IFF
2000 Award of 737 AEW&C MESA Radar Contract
2002 First Full Scale MESA Radar/IFF Antenna
2.2 Product/System Overviews:
The EAR program was the development test bed for the
future APQ-164 B-1B radar system. The system was the
first ever, passive element phased array with a beam
steering controller and a real time processor that al-
lowed simultaneous Scanning Aperture Radar (SAR)
and Terrain Following (TF) imagery. The system was
first flown on a B-52 in 1977. The HELRATS system
was used to simultaneously track two missiles and then
feed the signal via fiber-optic cable to a system that
used the data for targeting.
B-1B was the first development and production installa-
tion of an ESA radar system, which permitted a shared
radar aperture and timeline allowing one radar to per-
form both Automatic Terrain Following and navigation
radar functions. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) devel-
oped for 10-foot to 160-foot resolutions. Demonstrated
low probability of intercept TF and UHR/SAR modes.
Demonstrated GPS Relative Targeting System (RTS)
through measurement of quadratic phase error.
The AN/APQ-164 radar is an advanced phased array
fire control, navigation and weapon targeting radar for
the B-1B aircraft. Selected line replaceable units are
essentially common with the APG-68 used in the F-16
C/D. The system is comprised of: a two axis electrically scanned phased array antenna, a radar re-
ceiver transmitter, a programmable signal processor, dual mode transmitter and a video signal
processor.

Figure 2.2-1. Electronically Agile Radar
(EAR) High Energy Laser Radar Aided
Targeting System (HELRATS)

Figure 2.2-2. APQ-164 (B-1B)
5
The APQ-164 provides the B-1B with a Mo-
nopulse Ground Map (MGM) for an all
weather area navigation aid. It provides a
precise all-weather automatic Terrain Fol-
lowing (TF) and Terrain Avoidance (TA) ca-
pability for the B-1B. The APQ-164 provides
the B-1B with a high resolution Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR) for navigation and
targeting nuclear and strategic weapons in
all weather conditions. The radar can be
modified with a Multitarget Track (MTT)
software mode for Advanced Medium Range
Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) deployment.
Points of Interest/Milestones:
First production delivery was in 1984
More than 120 systems delivered
Highly regarded by B-1B combat crews for effectiveness and reliability
Technical Experiences and Features:
Multi-mode interleaved system with large, 2-D passive ESA providing safe and robust Ter-
rain Following (TF).
LPI waveforms and power management provided very low intercepts while achieving accu-
rate measurements with very low peak power levels.
ESA Air-to-Ground Modes All weather precision strike mode capability: Moving target al-
gorithm development (Slow Ground Moving Target Indication/Track (GMTI/T), clutter can-
cellation, Monopulse height above target) for the direct attack of moving targets (endo and
exo clutter) is operationally proven.
The E-3 Sentry is an Airborne Warning and Control
System (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather
surveillance, command, control and communications
needed by commanders of air defense forces.
Proven in wartime operations such as Desert Storm
and Allied Force, as well as ongoing peacekeeping
and humanitarian efforts, AWACS is the premier air
battle command and control aircraft in the world to-
day.
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (ES) has a
long heritage in the development and production of
Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radars. As the sup-
plier to Boeing for the APY-1 and APY-2 radar sys-
tems used on the E-3, ES has been a leader in the development of radar technology for airborne
applications.
The AN/APY-1/-2 Surveillance Radar System provides the down look surveillance capability for the
E-3 AWACS. AWACS is designed to detect and track both enemy and friendly aircraft throughout a
large volume of airspace. The radar provides full, long-range surveillance of high or low flying air-
craft during all kinds of weather and above all kinds of terrain. The AN/APY-1/-2 can look down from
an altitude of 30,000 feet and scan ranges exceeding 245 miles (400 kilometers), assessing both
enemy and friendly resources.

Figure 2.2-3. APQ-164 Phased Array Antenna

Figure 2.2-4. AN/APY-1/APY-2: Airborne
Early Warning and Control System
(AWACS)
6
Mounted atop a Boeing 707 in a rotating dome that revolves through 360 degrees every 10 sec-
onds, the ES radar was confirmed as the superior design in a series of competitive flights in 1972.
The first production system was delivered in 1977. This system is now in service with a number of
nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The antenna is composed of slotted waveguide radiators, high power precision phase shifters for
elevation beam steering and electronics for driving and control of the phase shifters. The antenna
beam may be electronically scanned in the vertical dimension to obtain altitude measurements of
targets. The antenna features a very high gain narrow antenna beam with ultra low sidelobes that
are essential for the ability of the radar to detect small aircraft in the presence of high ground, and
weather clutter as well as jamming.
The radar receivers, processing, and maintenance console are located in the cabin. The cabin
equipment consists of two cabinets for the AN/APY-1 radar (digital, and analog) and three cabinets
(digital, analog and maritime) for the AN/APY-2. The high power transmitter with Klystron final am-
plifier is located in the aft cargo section of the aircraft.
Northrop Grummans ES division is presently working under a production contract for the Radar
System Improvement Program (RSIP) for the U.S. Air Force. In 2000 Northrop Grummans ES Divi-
sion completed delivery and retrofit of the RSIP modification to NATO and the United Kingdom.
Points of Interest/Milestones:
First prototype flight test 1972
First production delivery was in 1977
More than 75 systems delivered
Technical Experiences and Features:
360
0
surveillance, 10 second scan
Clutter-free detection and tracking of low-altitude targets
Beyond the Horizon early warning and surveillance
Maritime Detection
Extreme resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM)
The J oint Surveillance Target Attack Radar sys-
tem (J oint STARS) is a joint Army and Air Force
program, with the air force as the lead service.
J oint STARS is a long-range standoff air-to-
ground surveillance system that provides real-
time surveillance of the battlefield and rear
echelons. The system detects, identifies, and
tracks enemy armor and vehicular traffic
throughout an extremely large field of view
(over 40,000 square kilometers) and provides
their locations to Air Force and Army Com-
mands.

Figure 2.2-5. APY-3: J oint Surveillance Target
Attack Radar System (J oint STARS)
7
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems (IS) is the prime contractor and Northrop Grumman ES is
responsible for the radar sensor group. A full-scale development contract was awarded to Northrop
Grumman in 1985. USAF full rate production was authorized in late 1996. Subsequent versions of
this system will incorporate the Multi Platform
Radar Technology Insertion Program (MPRTIP)
radar in the Boeing 767 aircraft.
The J oint STARS radar detects fixed and mov-
ing targets over large ground areas utilizing ad-
vanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and
sophisticated interferometer techniques. The
radar's antenna is a 24-ft long, side looking,
phased array that is electronically scanned in
azimuth and mechanically scanned in elevation.
While many radar systems can provide high
resolution SAR, the J oint STARS radar provides
both high resolution SAR and Moving Target
Indication (MTI) at ranges out to the radar horizon.
Points of Interest/Milestones:
J STARS was a key part of Desert Storm, flying a total of 49 combat sorties and supporting
100% of mission tasking.
J STARS monitored the Iraqi retreat, allowing allied fighters to block potential escape routes.
J STARS also made a significant contribution during peacekeeping operations in Bosnia
thus illustrating J STARS mission utility.
The Global Hawk is an Unmanned Air Vehicle that provides
real-time surveillance of the battlefield and rear echelons.
Flying at altitudes in excess of 60 thousand feet, the UAV
stays aloft in excess of 30 hours. A variety of payloads have
been demonstrated to date including radar and electro-
optical sensor packages. The platform has been pressed
into action in Afghanistan and has provided timely images to
support the war on terrorism.
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems (IS) is the prime
contractor. The production configuration is expected to carry
the MultiPlatform Radar Technology Insertion Program
(MPRTIP) radar. This is a smaller aperture version of the
active phased array radar for J STARS and is capable of MTI
and SAR at significant ranges from 60 thousand feet alti-
tude.

Figure 2.2-6. J STARS Phased Array Antenna

Figure 2.2-7. MPRTIP: Global
Hawk UAV
8
Points of Interest/Milestones:
Global Hawk has pioneered high altitude long endurance UAV surveillance in operations
over Afghanistan.
Northrop Grumman ES is the prime contractor on the TE-
SAR project. The program required an all-weather, SAR
imaging radar payload and associated ground control sta-
tion hardware for the Medium Altitude Endurance (MAE)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). TESAR quickly transi-
tioned from development to production and was operation-
ally deployed in Bosnia two years after inception. Original
SAR requirements included one-foot map resolution, map
swath range of 4-10.4 km, map swath width of 800 m, and
a payload weight of 175 lbs.
TESAR has been 100 percent operational during missions
and is delivering the data that it was contracted to provide.
TESAR earned high marks for performance and reliability.
TESAR has flown more than 40 flights and over 200 hours
in direct support of Operation J oint Endeavor. Not one
flight has been cancelled due to TESAR failure.
Technical Experiences and Features:
Hardware Reuse Hardware design heritage from
the A-12 radar was used as point of departure for
the TESAR design including the Electronically
Scanned Array for receiver components.
Mode Performance Operational experience
demonstrated Ultra High Resolution SAR/GMTI in
Taszar, Hungary (Bosnia: J oint Endeavor/Guard).
COTS A Mercury Computer System signal
processor and DY-4 data processor supplied the COTS hardware.
The Block 60 F-16 represents an evolutionary step ahead of the current F-16 Block 50 aircraft.
The AN/APG-80 is designed with an elec-
tronically scanned array radar with both
smaller target and electronic counter-counter
measures capabilities.
An internal Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR)
targeting system replaces the pods in earlier
aircraft. With state-of-the art components and
packaging technology, the Internal FLIR Tar-
geting System (IFTS) incorporates an ad-
vanced multi-functional FLIR/laser system
into the F-16 nose to improve lethality and
survivability with lower weight and drag. The
elimination of bulky pods also enhances
stealthiness.

Figure 2.2-8. ZPQ-1: Tactical Endur-
ance Synthetic Aperture Radar (TE-
SAR)

Figure 2.2-9. TESAR

Figure 2.2-10. AN/APG-80 (F-16 Block 60)
9

Additionally there is an integrated electronic warfare suite with internal electronic countermeasures,
advanced radar, an electronic warfare management system, and up to eight chaff/flare dispensers,
as well as advanced friend or foe. The aircraft's advanced avionics suite has room available for fu-
ture improvements. The Block 60's modular mission computer has a processing throughput of 12.5
million instructions per second and provides sensor and weapons integration.
Technical Experiences and Features:
A/A Detection Range Improved
High Resolution SAR for All Weather Precision Attack
Integration with Advanced GPS Weapons
Reduced Cost of Ownership through High Reliability Design
Predicted System MTBF of 390 hours
Agile Beam Radar with Auto Terrain Follow
Advanced ECCM
Northrop Grumman ES is responsible for the overall design of the AN/APG-77 radar system, includ-
ing the control and signal processing software. Northrop Grumman also has responsibility for radar
systems integration and test activities. The main component of the radar sensor is a highly reliable
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), which provides the rapid beam agility, low radar cross
section and target detection capability that enables the air dominance fighter to achieve it first look,
first kill capability.
Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-77 radar employs a different type of electronically scanned phased
array. In what is likely to be the most advanced airborne radar in the world, individual transmit and
receive modules will be located behind each element of the radar array. The transmit function of the
solid-state microwave modules will supplant the travelling wave tubes used in prior radars like the
APQ-164.
The AESA configuration will have a wider transmit bandwidth while requiring significantly less vol-
ume and prime power. The system represents about half the weight of an equivalent passive ESA
design. Each of the hundreds of individual solid-state devices generates only small amounts of
power, but the aggregate for the entire array will be substantial.
The APG-77's active aperture antenna offers attractive benefits. The system exhibits a very low ra-
dar cross section, supporting the F-22's stealthy design. Reliability of the all-solid-state system is
expected to be substantially better than the already highly reliable F-16 radar, with MTBF predicted
at more than 450 hours.
Technical Experiences and Features:
Weapons System Integration Integrated an LPI, AESA radar into a tactical avionics and
weapons suite.
Supportability designed for two-level maintenance and high reliability (MTBF over 450 hours).
10
All performance specifications have been met or exceeded.
Under a four-year contract with the U.S. Department of
Defence (DoD) J SF program office, Northrop Grumman
ES designed, developed and successfully flight-tested
an AESA radar system for the J SF program. The pro-
ject, officially known as the Multifunction Integrated RF
System/Multifunction Array (MIRFS/MFA), was de-
signed to assist the government and the J SF prime
weapon system contractors in reducing cost and tech-
nical risks associated with the aircraft's radar system.
The performance of the MIRFS/MFA radar during roof-
top and flight demonstrations consistently exceeded expectations and clearly indicated that the ES
AESA design meets J SF operational and support requirements. Since December 1998, a variety of
operational radar modes have been successfully demonstrated in flight on the ES BAC 1-11 avion-
ics test bed aircraft including air-to-air, synthetic aperture radar, ground moving target indication and
active and passive electronic warfare.
The radar system features an advanced AESA antenna, a high-performance radar receiver/exciter
and a commercial off-the-shelf processor. The system incorporates a number of AESA radar tech-
nology innovations, resulting in dramatic reductions in cost and weight while also providing signifi-
cantly improved reliability and efficiency.
For example, costs have been significantly reduced through the development by Northrop Grum-
man engineers of unique, highly affordable transmit/receive (T/R) modules featuring significantly
fewer parts and electronic interconnects compared with previous generations. Assembly of the
AESA has been greatly simplified and includes an open system architecture that readily accommo-
dates growth via the insertion of future technologies. During the MIRFS/MFA program, Northrop
Grumman demonstrated the capability for 100 percent automated assembly of T/R modules with
production-like yields. In addition, the T/R modules exhibited no failures and no degradation of per-
formance during extensive independent environmental tests conducted at the U.S. Navy's labs at
China Lake.
As a result, Northrop Grumman expects the reliability of its AESA radar to be an order of magnitude
better than currently fielded mechanically scanned array radar systems, while reducing logistics
footprint and overall support costs by greater than 50 percent.
During the course of the MIRFS/MFA program, Northrop Grumman's J SF software engineering
team earned the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Level 4 software maturity rating. This places
ES in the top 7 percent of all DoD and other Federal government contractor organizations when
measured against SEI's stringent software development standards.

Figure 2.2-13. J oint Strike Fighter: J SF
11
Advances in technology have caused a revolu-
tion in the capabilities and flexibility of airborne
surveillance systems and sensors used in Air-
borne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) sys-
tems. Developments in distributed transmitters,
commercial off-the-shelf processing and high-
performance antenna arrays have enabled ES
multirole electronically scanned array (MESA)
radar to be cost effectively applied to the next
generation Boeing 737-700 series aircraft. The
MESA radar provides air-to-air coverage, air-
to-surface coverage, integrated identification
friend or foe, special track beams and focused
sector operation.
The ES MESA system leverages the experi-
ence from AWACS in an all-new radar design. The development of a state-of-the-art of Endfire ESA
technology provides 360 coverage, without the utilization of a heavy rotodome. The MESA system
is 3 ESA Arrays, integrated to provide 360 Coverage. Each side array provides 60 azimuth cov-
erage port/starboard and the endfire Top Hat array provides 30 Coverage Fore and Aft.

Figure 2.2-15. MESA Radar/IFF Phased Array Antenna
Northrop Grumman ES has been advancing the ESA Array technology to provide a system that is
High Gain, Electronically Scannable with low sidelobe performance.
MESA Radar/IFF statistics:
Electronically steerable
360-degree surveillance coverage

Figure 2.2-14. Multi Role Electronically
Scanned Array: MESA
12
Interleaved air-to-air and maritime modes
Long-range detection
Dedicated track/high-update modes
Integrated IFF
COTS software and processors
Lightweight, efficient aerodynamic design
High reliability
3. OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY OF MODERN PHASED ARRAYS
The advent of mature phased array radar technology has changed national defence and the battle-
field. The agility of the beam of a phased array radar is the key characteristic that has facilitated this
change when coupled with the tremendous growth in computing power for processing information
and presenting that data for decision making.
The modern battlefield, depicted in Figure 3-1, consists of advance airborne surveillance and fire
control systems for conducting the air and ground operations. Phased array radars in these standoff
platforms, fighters, and UAVs are key to successful conduct of the Air and Ground Battle.

Figure 3-1. Advanced Airborne Surveillance and Fire Control Systems
The improved picture provided by a standoff AEW platform carrying ESA phased array radar greatly
enhances both defensive and offensive air operations. The ability to extend detection range in the
direction of the threat, improve the tracking of threat targets, and stabilize the picture to the airborne
controller with reference either to platform or geography simplifies the data picture. The use of un-
derlay maps using a common grid allows the controller to easily define surveillance areas. Paths of
ingress and egress are easy to identify. Coordination with anti-air systems is facilitated by the air-
borne ESA being the eyes over the hill for the targeting systems.
13
The improved picture provided by a standoff platform carrying ground surveillance ESA phased
array radar greatly enhances the ground operations. The ability to present wide area, simultaneous
MTI and SAR maps, enables situation assessment and ground battle execution by coordination of
both air and ground forces. UAVs are cued to provide information over the battlefield from line of
sights different from the standoff sensors to aid in unmasking targets hidden by mountains and hills.
Higher altitude sensors of the Global Hawk class UAVs provide wide area information while remain-
ing relatively out of harms way. Low altitude Predator class UAVs provide high quality information at
closer range with phased array radar and E/O imaging sensors.
Likewise, manned fighters equipped with ESA phased array radars efficiently carry out their offen-
sive and defensive missions aided by (and supporting) situation assessment from a netted picture
from the multiple sensors viewing the battlefield. With the rapid revisit rates of an ESA and the focus
on a specific axis, the chance of lost tracks and misplaced Blue assets diminishes greatly. The air-
borne ESA eliminates the shadows that impact ground control of outbound strike packages while
providing coverage for those packages from airborne surprises that pop-up from one valley over.
The interleaving of IFF with radar tracking greatly reduces Blue on Blue engagements. This extends
to the interface with the air defence system for returning Blue assets as well.
The in-motion, remote from the FEBA standoff sensor, is harder to kill via sudden enemy strike. The
tremendous range of the sector-search ESA protects against airborne attack by enemy air assets,
while the lookdown eliminates shadows on the Blue side of the FEBA. By linking with the air de-
fence system, low targets are easy to hand-off to Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft or waiting batter-
ies, and Blue on Blue engagement is minimized.
Data and voice links with ground C4I with the high data rates available now, allow the sending of
entire radar pictures enhancing the situational awareness of air, land and sea forces at the tactical
and strategic levels. The airborne position of the AEW eliminates the communications shadows, and
provides relay capabilities to augment land systems.
By providing real-time MTI and SAR data to ground systems, the army sector commander can bet-
ter utilize air and land assets to counter an attack, either by disrupting the assault before it is un-
derway, or by taking active aggression in its weak spots. Similarly, maritime surveillance also bene-
fits through ready identification of surface combatants in the littoral environment as well as the open
ocean. Additionally, there is added peacetime benefits for shipping as well. The broad area of sur-
veillance allows for remote support of a ship-in-distress, providing tracking of disabled ships, even
including environmental spills, and the vectoring of air and sea assets for rescue.
The paragraphs which follow discuss the capability of large phased arrays on standoff platforms to
detect air and ground targets. Then an approach for combined air and ground operations is dis-
cussed including the netting of platforms to develop a Common Tactical Picture for conducting op-
erations against air and ground targets.
3.1 Coverage Of Air Targets From Standoff Platforms
Radar detection of aircraft and missiles at long standoff range requires large, high power radars
such as the 737 AEW&C MESA. The 737 AEW&C MESA is able to provide sectors of increased
detection range rather than uniform detection range as in previous generation radar. The MESA
electronic scanned antenna beam shown in Figure 3.1-1 enables the energy from the radar or IFF
beam to move instantaneously to new beam positions. This instantaneous movement or beam
management permits tailoring of the radar/IFF coverage to match the operational needs of the
user. Continuous air surveillance can be accomplished simultaneously with other functions.
The flexibility of the MESA radar enables an operator to use it in virtually unlimited combinations of
surveillance and tracking. Four typical surveillance combinations are shown in Figure 3.1-2.
14
In addition to the surveillance
modes possible, MESA track
beams can be employed to fre-
quently revisit high priority
tracks. High priority tracks can
be targets involved in high-
speed maneuvers, where the
operator desires additional data
on the target or when the
tracker desires additional detec-
tions. The additional target de-
tections provided by the Track
Revisit mode would improve
tracking.
Tracking can be optimised util-
izing the Track Revisit mode, or
for areas of interest additional
radar resources (time) can be
allocated to that area. By in-
creasing the radar resources
dedicated to a particular sector, the maximum detection range is extended. The additional re-
sources increase the probability of detecting targets, thereby optimising the tracker's ability to track
the targets.
Exploits flexibility of
ESA Radar
Focuses energy on
Threat Sector
Provides Background
Sector coverage
30% Energy Redirected
for Operational Utility
Threat Sector
Background
Sector
Uniform Coverage
Dedicated Sector
Platform Stabilized Sector
Ground Stabilized Sector
Flexible Radar Enhances Utility Flexible Radar Enhances Utility
Threat Sector
Exploits flexibility of
ESA Radar
Focuses energy on
Threat Sector
Provides Background
Sector coverage
30% Energy
Redirected for
Operational Utility
Threat is 360 around
platform
Focuses all energy on
Threat Sector
Threat Sector
Threat
Sector
B
a
c
k
g
r
o
u
n
d

S
e
c
t
o
r

Figure 3.1-2. Four Representative Air Surveillance Combinations For 737 AEW&C
A summary description of the MESA Radar/IFF is given in Figure 3.1-3. The radar provides air-to-air
coverage, air to surface coverage, integrated IFF, special track/raid beams, and focused sector op-
eration. It is designed with a modular open system architecture using standard interfaces. The soft-
ware is constructed using a modern layered approach. The hardware is composed of five major
Mechanical Aperture ESA Aperture
Mechanically Scanned Antenna
Beam 1 Beam 2
Instantaneous
Electronically
Scanned
Fixed Antenna
Antenna scans electronically
Full beam management
Selectable coverage Scan While
Track
Antenna rotates continuously
360 degrees
Minimal beam management
Uniform 360 degree coverage
Mechanical
Rotation

Figure 3.1-1. The MESA electronic scanning of the antenna beam
enables the energy from the radar or IFF beam to move instan-
taneously to new beam positions
15
subsystems: Antenna, T/R Modules, Array Power Supply, Radar Support Electronics, and IFF Sup-
port Electronics.
Features
Flexible agile beam radar for 360
performance
Air to Air
Air to Surface
Robust in All Clutter, All Weather
Integrated IFF
Special Track/Raid Beams
Focused Sector
Robust ECCM
Minimal impact to aircraft
Standard interfaces to mission
system and instrumentation
(ethernet, 1553)
Software developed using modern
layered approach
MESA
Antenna
Array Power
Supply
Radar TR Modules
IFF Support Electronics
Radar Support Electronics
Array Power Supply (lower lobe)
Top Hat Array
Side Array
...
Antenna
TR Modules
Radar Support
Electronics
IFF Support
Electronics
Data
Recorder
(STE)
Array Power
Supply (A&B)
Mission Computer
Software

Figure 3.1-3. MESA Phased Array Radar/IFF System
The MESA radar is designed for lightweight and to minimize aircraft impact. The radar antenna
shown in Figure 3.1-4 is composed of three apertures: two back to back dorsal arrays provide 120
degrees of azimuth coverage on each side of the aircraft, and a top hat array provides 60 degrees
of azimuth coverage forward and aft of the aircraft. The antenna shape minimizes the drag and
aerodynamic impact on the airplane and lightweight technology is used to minimize weight and im-
pact on time on station
Phased array high gain / low
sidelobe antenna
High power distributed
transmitter
Low loss, high gain,
distributed receiver
Advanced technology signal
processing
COTS processors
C++ modular software
Integrated IFF

Figure 3.1-4. MESA Phased Array Antenna Three Separate Faces Arranged
in Aerodynamic Design
16
3.2 Coverage of Ground Targets From Standoff Platforms
Radar detection of ground targets at
long standoff range also requires the
use of large phased arrays such as
J STARS or the 737 AEW&C. Large
aperture phased array beam flexibility
enables coverage of the ground using
both Moving Target Indicator (MTI)
radar and Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR). As in the case of Air Target
coverage discussed above, the in-
stantaneous movement of the phased
array beam permits tailoring of cover-
age. MTI and SAR images can be
obtained for areas of interest and
overlaid to examine both fixed and
moving surface targets and to con-
duct military operations against
ground targets as illustrated in Figure
3.2-1.
3.3 Combined Tactical Picture
The combination of air and surface coverage from a single platform or netted platforms leads to a
Combined Tactical Picture. The combined picture enables mission operators to assess the tactical
situation and conduct both counter air and counter ground operations.

Figure 3.3-1. Integrated Operations
Wide Area
Surveillance
Sector
Search
Attack
Control
SAR
Wide Area
Surveillance
Sector
Search
Attack
Control
SAR

Figure 3.2-1. Ground Coverage
17
Future battlefield will include unmanned air, sea, and land sensors, both mobile and stationary. The
airborne platform is ideally positioned to provide tracking and command of these new elements.
This includes sensors in lower interest areas, where radar tracking is not desired, but continued
monitoring of the sensor platform is. The ability to data link instructions from the AEW platform and
information from the ESA radar gives even greater effectiveness to these new automated tools of
the military.
AirTgt
SSU
PossibleTgt
GroundTgt
Slow
Med
Fast
Icon
Air Display
Mission Planning
Ground Display
Combined Tactical
( Air & Ground) Display

Figure 3.3-2. Combined Tactical Picture Display
4. SUMMARY
Since the early 1980s Northrop Grummans ES division has been responsible for the many techno-
logical advances in the field of radar technology and more specifically Electronically Scanned
Phased Arrays. With major milestones such as the EAR and APQ-164, the ESA technology was
established as the wave of the future. With the increasing role of airborne surveillance and warning,
ESA technology has proven to be a key factor in establishing theatre superiority. Systems such
APY-1/2/3 (AWACS and J STARS), ZPQ-1TESAR have proven their capabilities time and time
again during Desert Storm, and Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan confrontations. The new genera-
tion of Active Electronically Scanned Phased Arrays are being incorporated into systems such as
the F-22 Air Superiority fighter, the J oint Strike Fighter (J SF), F-16 Block-60 and now the Multirole
Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) for the Boeing 737 AEW&C.
The new generation of phased array systems is enabling unprecedented capability in National De-
fence. Phased arrays are key to superior battle management and weapons delivery. The Common
Tactical Picture is integral part of this capability.