Sounding Warnings Sooner

 

- Alan Warnes

Sophisticated systems are now needed to track increasingly more diverse threats, like ballistic missiles, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and slow moving aircraft. The integration of the Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is going some way to resolving that. The general availability of gallium nitride (GaN), once known among physicists as the material of the future, has been the biggest factor. For decades it wasn’t possible to manufacture and process this highly costly material. But that’s all changed with a good supply chain, as both Saab and China AVIC representatives confirmed to the author; the cost has also tumbled.

The use of GaN provides better power efficiency which results in improved radar performance. its use in electronic warfare aides also leads to better wide-band jammers.

Recognised Air Picture

The AESA radar, the generation of clear signals, increased digitisation and better software has led to a more comprehensivly recognisable air picture (RAP) in most modern AEW&C aircraft. The result can allow mission commanders in the rear of the aircraft to make more informed realtime decisions to thwart possible attacks. The RAP can be data-linked to ground stations for commanders and eventually political leaders with better situational awareness in the face of confrontation or conflict. Most of the new generation fighters, ground based air defences and naval vessels can also take on the RAP.