Eurofighter Typhoon

[FighterJock]

Hensoldt jamming system proves effectiveness against radars of various types​

https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKML_xlAsw9MKqAw?oc=3&ceid=US:en

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Hensoldt's 'Kalaetron Attack' has proven its effectiveness against anti-aircraft radars of various types. (Picture source: Hensoldt)

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Measurements in various operationally relevant scenarios show that "Kalaetron Attack" can detect even the latest air defence radars and interfere with them by means of precisely directed jamming signals.

The effectiveness and responsiveness of the system is also based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, which enable the classification of unknown threats in the field and the rapid evaluation of large amounts of data. In doing so, the many years of in-depth experience in the development of jamming approaches against radars were profitably combined with the latest approaches of the Edge AI approach.
"Control of the electromagnetic spectrum is an essential prerequisite for information superiority, and thus the success of military missions and the protection of one's own soldiers," says Celia Pelaz, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Spectrum Dominance Division at Hensoldt. "Kalaetron Attack also makes it possible to deny the enemy the use of this spectrum - for air defence, for example".

The jamming system is part of Hensoldt's fully digital 'Kalaetron' product family, which is used in self-protection and signal reconnaissance systems in the German armed forces, among others. In addition to cognitive software elements, the core elements are a fully digitised, broadband sensor and an electronically controllable jammer. Metallic 3D printing enabled a condensed design of the electronic components so that the jammer can be easily integrated into pod formats commonly used worldwide or directly into various flying platforms. Kalaetron Attack, as an escort jammer for the Eurofighter, therefore provides the Luftwaffe with the timely capability transfer of the ECR Tornado and, at the same time, expands the capabilities of the Eurofighter by the urgently required component of electronic warfare (escort jamming) in modern operational scenarios. Due to its scalability, the system can also be used in land- or ship-based applications.

Will this be the jamming system that will be used on the Typhoon ECR? It is interesting that it can be used in land or ship based applications.

 

[Forest Green]

Hensoldt jamming system proves effectiveness against radars of various types​

https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKML_xlAsw9MKqAw?oc=3&ceid=US:en

---

Hensoldt's 'Kalaetron Attack' has proven its effectiveness against anti-aircraft radars of various types. (Picture source: Hensoldt)

---

Measurements in various operationally relevant scenarios show that "Kalaetron Attack" can detect even the latest air defence radars and interfere with them by means of precisely directed jamming signals.

The effectiveness and responsiveness of the system is also based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, which enable the classification of unknown threats in the field and the rapid evaluation of large amounts of data. In doing so, the many years of in-depth experience in the development of jamming approaches against radars were profitably combined with the latest approaches of the Edge AI approach.
"Control of the electromagnetic spectrum is an essential prerequisite for information superiority, and thus the success of military missions and the protection of one's own soldiers," says Celia Pelaz, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Spectrum Dominance Division at Hensoldt. "Kalaetron Attack also makes it possible to deny the enemy the use of this spectrum - for air defence, for example".

The jamming system is part of Hensoldt's fully digital 'Kalaetron' product family, which is used in self-protection and signal reconnaissance systems in the German armed forces, among others. In addition to cognitive software elements, the core elements are a fully digitised, broadband sensor and an electronically controllable jammer. Metallic 3D printing enabled a condensed design of the electronic components so that the jammer can be easily integrated into pod formats commonly used worldwide or directly into various flying platforms. Kalaetron Attack, as an escort jammer for the Eurofighter, therefore provides the Luftwaffe with the timely capability transfer of the ECR Tornado and, at the same time, expands the capabilities of the Eurofighter by the urgently required component of electronic warfare (escort jamming) in modern operational scenarios. Due to its scalability, the system can also be used in land- or ship-based applications.

Will this be the jamming system that will be used on the Typhoon ECR? It is interesting that it can be used in land or ship based applications.

It could be, whether it will and how long it will take I don't know.

Curious - do these type jamming pods obviate the need for a ECR specific aircraft?

I understand Germany are looking to develop a Eurofighter ECR variant, but why not just use pods like these on standard Eurofighters instead?

Weight I guess.

 

[FighterJock]

It could be, whether it will and how long it will take I don't know.

It will probably depend on how long it takes to build and test the Typhoon ECR.

 

[Forest Green]

It could be, whether it will and how long it will take I don't know.

It will probably depend on how long it takes to build and test the Typhoon ECR.

Unless they just integrate it on a regular Typhoon.

 

[FighterJock]

It could be, whether it will and how long it will take I don't know.

It will probably depend on how long it takes to build and test the Typhoon ECR.

Unless they just integrate it on a regular Typhoon.

If that is the case of getting the jamming pod fitted to the regular Typhoons that are already in service then there is no case for the Typhoon ECR. And also the SPEAR 3 EW missile is already being earmarked for the Typhoons that are already in service for the RAF and other Typhoon users.

 

[Forest Green]

If that is the case of getting the jamming pod fitted to the regular Typhoons that are already in service then there is no case for the Typhoon ECR. And also the SPEAR 3 EW missile is already being earmarked for the Typhoons that are already in service for the RAF and other Typhoon users.

Quite possibly, depending on the capabilities on the pod. An ARM could be incorporated at a later day, i.e. AARGM, AARGM-ER, or maybe (it's a big maybe), that ARM version of the Meteor they were talking about many moons ago.

 

[FighterJock]

that ARM version of the Meteor they were talking about many moons ago.

I remember that ARM Meteor missile too, I wonder what has happened to it?

 

[Scorpion82]

The ECR variant of the Typhoon will serve an EA role. The extant DASS equipment neither has the bandwidth, nor power for standoff jamming of several threat systems. It's not just about fitting a jamming pod of some kind.

 

[Forest Green]

The ECR variant of the Typhoon will serve an EA role. The extant DASS equipment neither has the bandwidth, nor power for standoff jamming of several threat systems. It's not just about fitting a jamming pod of some kind.

I read there would be an overhaul of DASS itself too, as well as radar 2 being integrated with it for stand-off jamming.

 

[Scorpion82]

The ECR variant of the Typhoon will serve an EA role. The extant DASS equipment neither has the bandwidth, nor power for standoff jamming of several threat systems. It's not just about fitting a jamming pod of some kind.

I read there would be an overhaul of DASS itself too, as well as radar 2 being integrated with it for stand-off jamming.

The DASS itself will be upgraded as part of the LTE programme, which also includes many other changes, a more or less comprehensive avionics overall, among general system changes, engine upgrade etc. The ECR version will most likely be build on the LTE baseline. ECRS Mk2 is rather unllikely for the German ECR version. It will likely be the ECRS Mk1 which penultimately introduces EA capabilities as well, albeit the scope might be different compared to Mk1.

 

[Maro.Kyo]

UK details revised schedule for Typhoon’s ECRS Mk2 radar introduction

Leonardo UK will deliver a first flight-test example of the ECRS Mk2 active electronically scanned array radar for the Eurofighter Typhoon before year-end, with the Royal Air Force's service introduction schedule for the combination now targeted at the end of this decade.

www.flightglobal.com

Figured the news was not shared. Development schedule of ECRS Mk.2 for RAF revised, IOC now targeted for 2030.

 

[H_K]

Thanks @Maro.Kyo. Can anyone explain what this gobbledygook means?

“It’s not so much M-scan or E-scan: if you get the boxes behind the architecture right then you can do what you want,” the official says. “We must be able to adapt to the enemy quicker and cheaper. We have to win the financial war as an operator – you need to win the speed of adaptation. So it becomes a proxy between programmers.”

(From the Fightglobal article)

 

[zen]

Digital signal processing of digital signals. Implies virtual processor adaptions 'in software' can be run on sufficiently fast hardware.

Ergo adaptations can be software not hardware.

 

[SteveO]

Great, ECRS Mk2 is going to end up as a standard example of British defence procurement. Go for a gold standard radar specification then let the IOC slip from 2025 to 2030 and it will enter service not much better than the latest upgrade of the competition. I wonder what capability holiday the RAF will take to get it!

 

[Hood]

Its OK guys Tempest with MRFS will arrive in 2035.... won't it....

 

[Magnum_Force]

I always thought that Tempest would get a version of the ECRS Mk2 radar anyway, and least initially.

The article does mention that they have some planned upgrades to the current CAPTOR M radar, stating it's "singing right now".

Still, 2030 is a awfully long way off.....

 

[Forest Green]

Its OK guys Tempest with MRFS will arrive in 2035.... won't it....

MRFS?

 

[SteveO]

Its OK guys Tempest with MRFS will arrive in 2035.... won't it....

MRFS?

Multi- function Radio Frequency System.

 

[timmymagic]

Will this be the jamming system that will be used on the Typhoon ECR? It is interesting that it can be used in land or ship based applications.

There were at least 4 from different manufacturers shown off at the Berlin event so very much up in the air. Money would be on Hensoldt getting the gig though...

It will probably depend on how long it takes to build and test the Typhoon ECR.

Now called Typhoon EK by Airbus. EK stands for Elektronischer Kampf (Electronic Warfare in German).

And also the SPEAR 3 EW missile is already being earmarked for the Typhoons that are already in service for the RAF and other Typhoon users.

Spear is definitely being integrated. But Spear-EW does not have a production contract yet. It did have a comparatively small development contract from UK MoD (c£50m, note: most of the constituent parts are already developed so doesn't need to be massive programme in terms of value). Nothing has been heard or contracted since. But that contract should haev, or be close to, delivering a feasibility report.

I remember that ARM Meteor missile too, I wonder what has happened to it?

Many moons ago there was the unrelated German ARMIGER, a ramjet ARM, that was abandoned 15+ years ago. No real proposal for Meteor ARM yet. But...UK MoD and MBDA were talking about the potential for Meteor to be used as an ARM without a specific version being needed at DSEi 2019. What was unclear was if this was current production Meteor or utilised the AESA equipped JNAAM version. Regardless of which variant it was it would require an extensive test and trials campaign to become a live capability.

ECRS Mk2 is rather unllikely for the German ECR version.

Oddly ECRS Mk2 was the radar specified by Airbus in their Typhoon ECR 2 seater proposal. People who asked got the answer that is ws because of its much greater Electronic Attack potential. AFAIK they didn't mention which radar was in use on the less capable single seat Typhoon EK shown in Berlin.

 

[FighterJock]

Now called Typhoon EK by Airbus. EK stands for Elektronischer Kampf (Electronic Warfare in German).

Thanks for that update timmymagic, I did not know that the Typhoon ECR had a name change. It makes sense to call it the Typhoon EK because Germany is going to be the largest buyer of the type, followed by the Italy.

 

[Maro.Kyo]

Many moons ago there was the unrelated German ARMIGER, a ramjet ARM, that was abandoned 15+ years ago. No real proposal for Meteor ARM yet. But...UK MoD and MBDA were talking about the potential for Meteor to be used as an ARM without a specific version being needed at DSEi 2019. What was unclear was if this was current production Meteor or utilised the AESA equipped JNAAM version. Regardless of which variant it was it would require an extensive test and trials campaign.

Reminds me of all the armament proposals from Diehl for the Typhoon in the early days. HOPE/HOSBO/PILUM comes to mind for instance.

 

[Scorpion82]

Will this be the jamming system that will be used on the Typhoon ECR? It is interesting that it can be used in land or ship based applications.

There were at least 4 shown off at the Berlin event so very much up in the air. Money would be on Hensoldt getting the gig though...

It will probably depend on how long it takes to build and test the Typhoon ECR.

Now called Typhoon EK by Airbus. EK stands for Elektronischer Kampf (Electronic Warfare in German).

And also the SPEAR 3 EW missile is already being earmarked for the Typhoons that are already in service for the RAF and other Typhoon users.

Spear is definitely being integrated. But Spear-EW does not have a production contract yet. It did have a comparatively small development contract from UK MoD (c£50m, note:most of the constituent parts are already developed so doesn't need to be

ECRS Mk2 is rather unllikely for the German ECR version.

Oddly ECRS Mk2 was the radar specified by Airbus in their Typhoon ECR 2 seater proposal. People who asked got the answer that is ws because of its much greater Electronic Attack potential. AFAIK they didn't mention which radar was in use on the Typhoon EK shown in Berlin.

We'll see. The Mk1 was pursuit, not least to become more independent from the UK in the radar field, going the Mk2 route would be detrimental and throw the Germans back into the UK yard of radar limbo.

 

[timmymagic]

We'll see. The Mk1 was pursuit, not least to become more independent from the UK in the radar field, going the Mk2 route would be detrimental and throw the Germans back into the UK yard of radar limbo.

Radar 2 was only for the ECR version. Radar 1 would continue to be used on the Quadriga Typhoon, upgraded German Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoon and the probable order to replace Tornado of c50 Typhoon. Radar 2 would only be used on 15 aircraft in the German fleet, with Radar 1 potentially being on 160+.

 

[timmymagic]

Now called Typhoon EK by Airbus. EK stands for Elektronischer Kampf (Electronic Warfare in German).

Thanks for that update timmymagic, I did not know that the Typhoon ECR had a name change. It makes sense to call it the Typhoon EK because Germany is going to be the largest buyer of the type, followed by the Italy.

I think it reflected a downgraded version to single seat, from the much more ambitious 2 seat ECR. As for Italy I don't believe they have any plans to purchase the ECR or EK version of Typhoon. They appear to want to do SEAD with F-35 now. Presumably they will buy Spear/Spear EW (if it actually goes into production) or AARGM-ER for F-35 to carry out that mission. Their stocks of AARGM will become surplus to requirements when they withdraw Tornado as its not cleared for Typhoon or F-35. Not a massive hardship as I think they only bought 9 anyway....They might retain if Germany pays up to integrate it on Typhoon, but otherwise I suspect Germany and Italy will be selling them to the USN/Australia/Greece or Morocco who also use AARGM. Given the cost I suspect only the USN and Australia actually have anywhere close to reasonable stockpiles of them...

 

[timmymagic]

However....its worth noting that Germany also just put in an order for SDB2, Stormbreaker, with the order for 35 F-35A....Norway have also ordered SDB2. Thats 2 potential Spear customers for F-35 off the list. Rather surprised Germany have gone down that route (not so much with Norway) as Spear would have been compatible with their F-35 and Typhoon fleet. However given the other weapons ordered for F-35 they seem to be wanting some specific capabilities (JASSM-ER and Bunker buster 2,000lb LGB's..).

 

[H_K]

Spear would have been compatible with their F-35 and Typhoon fleet

I thought that the RAF was only paying for Spear integration on the F-35? If so the Germans would have had to pay for Typhoon integration.

Just another of the many « brochureware » weapons on the Typhoon…

The British pick MBDA’s Spear 3 cruise missile for their F-35s

The deal should see the Spear 3 missile achieve initial operational capability on the aircraft in 2025, making it the primary air-to-ground weapon for the Lockheed Martin-built jets now coming into service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

www.defensenews.com

For the moment, the weapon, which has a range in excess of 140 kilometers, is destined to be fitted solely to the F-35B models. But that could change, with Ministry of Defence officials admitting there is a possibility Spear 3 might also eventually be installed on the Royal Air Force’s fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.

“There is an aspirational requirement to integrate Spear 3 operational capability onto Eurofighter Typhoon, and both Italy and Germany [partners with Britain on the Typhoon program] are showing interest,” the official added.

 

[timmymagic]

I thought that the RAF was only paying for Spear integration on the F-35? If so the Germans would have had to pay for Typhoon integration.

Just another of the many « brochureware » weapons on the Typhoon…

Integration on Typhoon is going ahead, announced a while ago.

 

[TomS]

However....its worth noting that Germany also just put in an order for SDB2, Stormbreaker, with the order for 35 F-35A....Norway have also ordered SDB2. Thats 2 potential Spear customers for F-35 off the list. Rather surprised Germany have gone down that route (not so much with Norway) as Spear would have been compatible with their F-35 and Typhoon fleet. However given the other weapons ordered for F-35 they seem to be wanting some specific capabilities (JASSM-ER and Bunker buster 2,000lb LGB's..).

Ordered or just included in the approved FMS case? I think it's the latter, which just gives Germany the option to acquire them.

 

[H_K]

Integration on Typhoon is going ahead, announced a while ago.

That article is pretty recent (Jan 2021) and according to it, no it isn’t.

 

[timmymagic]

That article is pretty recent (Jan 2021) and according to it, no it isn’t.

It was confirmed in the Integrated Review in August 2021. So your sources are out of date...it won't be difficult to do as all of the test campaign is being undertaken on Typhoon. First weapon launch was in 2016.

 

[timmymagic]

Ordered or just included in the approved FMS case? I think it's the latter, which just gives Germany the option to acquire them.

Just the FMS case at present. But, as usual with FMS cases, it was very clear what German intentions were. 9X, JASSM-ER, SDBII, BLU-109, additional Laser JDAM and weirdly AIM-120 C8...not D.

 

[TomS]

Ordered or just included in the approved FMS case? I think it's the latter, which just gives Germany the option to acquire them.

Just the FMS case at present. But, as usual with FMS cases, it was very clear what German intentions were. 9X, JASSM-ER, SDBII, BLU-109, additional Laser JDAM and weirdly AIM-120 C8...not D.

I'm just thinking that if they were still debating SPEAR vs Stormbreaker, they'd have to include the later in the FMS case even if they don't know for sure yet which they want to buy.

 

[timmymagic]

I'm just thinking that if they were still debating SPEAR vs Stormbreaker, they'd have to include the later in the FMS case even if they don't know for sure yet which they want to buy.

Certainly possible. Not sure how much German involvement in Spear there is, probably warhead from TDW at the least. Norway appear to be going for SDB2, but they've always been keen on US air weapons on their aircraft. IRIS-T for F-16 was a bit of an aberation, although at the time they needed it to remain competitive.

It's certainly not worth the German's integrating IRIS-T for a small order, particularly as Italy and Norway have already gone for 9X. IRIS-T seems to have missed the F-35 boat. Same with KEPD-350.

Have to say I'm surprised most about the AIM-120 C8 line...are the German's not trusted with D? By the time these are delivered AIM-120 production should be pretty freed up as the US is planning to move to AIM-260 wholesale.

As for Meteor only being for F-35B I'm not sure how true that is, or will remain so, UK certainly is using it on its B fleet. But Italy will have A as well as B, and Japan is buying Meteor. Once its integrated with the combat system there isn't that much more to do. Drop tests from the bays will have been completed. Although the A and C bays are bigger I would have thought that all they'd need to do is a couple of drop tests to test assumptions, if they match that would be it. Bulk of the integration monies are on marrying up the missile to the systems.

 

[TomcatViP]

@timmymagic : Amraam Block D would be in direct competition with their industry produced Meteor. I don't think it is necessary to search beyond.

They also would want to build some momentum to whatever comes next, nationally, in that segment.

 

[Harry64]

I'm just thinking that if they were still debating SPEAR vs Stormbreaker, they'd have to include the later in the FMS case even if they don't know for sure yet which they want to buy.

Have to say I'm surprised most about the AIM-120 C8 line...are the German's not trusted with D?

What is the difference between AIM-120 C8 and D? In the net it is said that "The AIM-120D, formerly known as the AIM-120 C8". Doesn't that correspond to the facts?

 

[timmymagic]

I'm just thinking that if they were still debating SPEAR vs Stormbreaker, they'd have to include the later in the FMS case even if they don't know for sure yet which they want to buy.

Have to say I'm surprised most about the AIM-120 C8 line...are the German's not trusted with D?

What is the difference between AIM-120 C8 and D? In the net it is said that "The AIM-120D, formerly known as the AIM-120 C8". Doesn't that correspond to the facts?

AIM-120 C8 became AIM-120D over 5 years ago. But its also been used to refer to a Form, Fit and Function refresh (F3R) of AIM-120 C7 to become C8 in some recent documents. It seems that the 2 variants are different with the D-3 variant now being a US/Five Eyes only weapon at present (US, UK and Australia only to date I believe, with Canada considering it). Looks like C8 has some of the D features but not all.

 

[Scorpion82]

We'll see. The Mk1 was pursuit, not least to become more independent from the UK in the radar field, going the Mk2 route would be detrimental and throw the Germans back into the UK yard of radar limbo.

Radar 2 was only for the ECR version. Radar 1 would continue to be used on the Quadriga Typhoon, upgraded German Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoon and the probable order to replace Tornado of c50 Typhoon. Radar 2 would only be used on 15 aircraft in the German fleet, with Radar 1 potentially being on 160+.

I'm aware of that, nevertheless the ECR/EK is a national variant of the Typhoon and you precisesly give up sovereighnity, if you once again rely on foreign technology, which you don't have full control of and insight into and that will most likely be the case with Mk2, opposed to Mk1. At least on the radar side of things this seems problematic, not to talk about the logistic support implications and associated costs, but these will occur anyway with ECR being an entirely different standard. We'll see though how much commonality will be achieved between LTEed T2-4 and new build ECR.

 

[Scorpion82]

@timmymagic : Amraam Block D would be in direct competition with their industry produced Meteor. I don't think it is necessary to search beyond.

They also would want to build some momentum to whatever comes next, nationally, in that segment.

C8 is slatted for the Typhoon as well, so it's a logical choice. I suppose METEOR will be integrated into the F-35 anyway, with Britain and Italy being two F-35 and METEOR operators already.

 

[aonestudio]

CAPTOR-M Radar

The CAPTOR radar family provides the main sensor for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. This article provides a deeper insight into the mechanically scanned version's capabilities and it's history. It is the first part of a two-part series of articles.

defensearchives.org

The CAPTOR-E AESA radar - Defense Archives

The CAPTOR radar family provides the main sensor for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. This article gives a deeper insight into the second iteration: CAPTOR-E.

defensearchives.org

 

[Forest Green]

CAPTOR-M Radar

The CAPTOR radar family provides the main sensor for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. This article provides a deeper insight into the mechanically scanned version's capabilities and it's history. It is the first part of a two-part series of articles.

defensearchives.org

The CAPTOR-E AESA radar - Defense Archives

The CAPTOR radar family provides the main sensor for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft. This article gives a deeper insight into the second iteration: CAPTOR-E.

defensearchives.org

I wouldn't bet on those pages being up-to-date.