RTX’s Raytheon has successfully completed the first flight test of PhantomStrike active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The test was conducted on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft in Ontario, California. According to Raythoen, PhantomStrike was able to successfully track several airborne targets and accurately map the terrain.
Raytheon describes PhantomStrike as a first-of-its-kind fully air-cooled, fire-control radar designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting. It delivers superior radar capability at half the cost of a typical fire control radar due to its faster, more agile digital beam, advanced target detection and resistance to jamming.
Weighing less than 150 pounds and nearly half the weight of modern AESA radars, PhantomStrike is able to deliver the heavyweight performance needed for superior battlespace situational awareness.
PhantomStrike is a gallium nitride (GaN) powered radar that enables aircrew to see farther. It is designed for a range of platforms, including uncrewed and light-attack aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters and ground-based towers.
RTX said that production of the radars takes place in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.
