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BAE SYSTEMS delivers Swing Role Radar capability to Eurofighter Typhoon

19 Jun 2001

The CAPTOR radar software that provides Eurofighter with its swing role capability has been formally delivered by Euroradar to Eurofighter GmbH. The software, which provides both air-to-air and air-to-surface capability, has been extensively tested in BAE Systems’ trials BAC 1-11 aircraft and the algorithms have been tuned in the laboratory in Edinburgh. The air-to-surface modes will be further tested on Eurofighter development aircraft DA4 and DA5.

The current software, delivered in 1999, gives CAPTOR an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) which includes comprehensive air-to-air capability and an initial air-to-surface capability. Once fully proven the swing role software will be loaded into CAPTOR radars destined for the production aircraft of the four nations.

BAE Systems began delivery of production standard CAPTOR radars, from the first tranche of 147, in February 2001 and to date has delivered three production units.

Notes to Editors:

Some air defence aircraft are capable of being reconfigured on the ground to undertake another role such as offensive air support, but an aircraft that can accomplish both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles on the same mission and swing between these roles instantly offers true flexibility. This reduces cost, increases effectiveness and enhances interoperability with allied air forces.

Eurofighter Typhoon stands head and shoulders above the competition with its unique swing-role operational capability. With its 13 external store stations, CAPTOR multi-mode pulse doppler radar, data transfer links and role-common software package, the Typhoon pilot can change operational tasks in flight or undertake different roles on the same sortie.