Ericsson in international cooperation on future airborne radar development

Ericsson Microwave Systems has signed an agreement with the US radar manufacturer Raytheon on the development of an AESA (Active Electrically Scanned Array) antenna system. The active antenna unit is due to be delivered to Ericsson in 2004.

Ericsson Microwave Systems is under contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop, manufacture and evaluate a full scale AESA radar system demonstrator for future upgrade of the Gripen system capabilities. The antenna supplied by Raytheon will be developed for use in the radar system demonstrator to conduct flight evaluations.

"This is an important first step in international co-operation in the AESA program that will reduce programme risks and cost. It also enables us to focus on the total system design and reinforce the Swedish program to demonstrate AESA radar capabilities in the year 2004," said Lars Karlen, Vice President and General Manager of Ericsson Microwave Systems' Airborne Radar business unit.

The demonstrator phase is a part of Ericssons development to prepare for series production to supply the Gripen aircraft with the next generation radar system and thereby enhance the capabilities of information superiority and air power.

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