// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Active Electronically Scanned Array
An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) is a type of radar system that uses hundreds of small, fixed transmit/receive modules to electronically steer its radar beam, rather than physically moving a large antenna. This allows the radar to perform multiple functions almost simultaneously, such as tracking many targets while also scanning for new ones.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) is an advanced radar technology employed in military platforms, notably fighter jets and naval vessels, which utilizes an array of fixed transmit/receive modules (TRMs) to electronically steer and shape multiple radar beams simultaneously. This enables superior multi-target tracking, enhanced situational awareness, improved resistance to electronic warfare, and multi-mode operation including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic attack capabilities.
BACKGROUND
An active electronically scanned array (AESA) is a type of phased array antenna, which is a computer-controlled antenna array in which the beam of radio waves can be electronically steered to point in different directions without moving the antenna. In the AESA, each antenna element is connected to a small solid-state transmit/receive module (TRM) under the control of a computer, which performs the functions of a transmitter and/or receiver for the antenna. This contrasts with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), in which all the antenna elements are connected to a single transmitter and/or receiver through phase shifters under the control of the computer. AESA's main use is in radar and these are known as active phased-array radar (APAR).
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- AESA radar
- Active ESA
- Electronically Scanned Array
USAGE NOTE
AESA radars are a cornerstone of modern military aviation and naval warfare, providing unmatched capabilities for surveillance, targeting, and electronic combat due to their speed and multi-functionality.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Active Electronically Scanned Array.
A leading global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman develops and produces a wide range of AESA radar systems for advanced military aircraft, including the AN/APG-81 for the F-35 Lightning II and AN/APG-77 for the F-22 Raptor, as well as various ground-based and naval AESA applications.
RTX is a major developer of AESA radar systems for airborne, naval, and ground-based platforms. Their products include the AN/APG-79 for the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, as well as the GhostEye family of radars for air and missile defense.
A British multinational defense, security, and aerospace company, BAE Systems is involved in the development and production of AESA radar technology, particularly for European platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR-E radar, and various other surveillance and targeting systems.
An Italian multinational company specializing in aerospace, defense, and security, Leonardo is a key player in AESA radar development. They are a significant contributor to the Eurofighter Typhoon's CAPTOR-E radar and produce the Raven ES-05 AESA radar for the Saab Gripen E/F, alongside other airborne and naval AESA solutions.
A Swedish aerospace and defense company, Saab develops advanced AESA radar systems, notably for its Gripen E/F fighter aircraft (the PS-05/A Mk 5 and ES-04 Raven AESA radars) and the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system which uses an Erieeye ER AESA radar.
A French multinational company designing and building electrical systems and providing services for the aerospace, defense, transportation, and security markets. Thales develops AESA radars for fighter aircraft (such as the RBE2 AESA for the Dassault Rafale), naval vessels, and ground surveillance.
ELTA Systems, a group and subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced AESA radar systems for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) applications across air, land, and sea domains, including fighter aircraft and missile defense.