Beamscanner Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 The "European Collaborative Radar", or ECR-90(now called the "Captor" radar), is a mechanically scanned planar array multi-mode Pulse-Doppler Radar designed for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Radar is capable of emitting coherent X-Band pulse trains with low, medium and high PRF waveforms, giving the Captor radar all aspect detection. Tranche 1 Typhoons are equipped with the Captor-C model. This radar uses a slotted waveguide antenna along with a coupled-cavity Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifier. The former offers high gain and good antenna efficiency while the latter offers high peak power and rapid waveform agility. The system makes use of mono-pulse tracking techniques and uses a 3 channel digital receiver with a 32-bit signal processor. The processors are said to be able "to 'fully exploit' the high data content within it's wideband, spread spectrum transmitter waveforms and to rapidly switch between modes and functions." "A 3rd data channel is reportedly present, used exclusively for screening enemy electronic countermeasures, in order to improve ECM resistance, and performance under combat conditions." This channel is likely also used for RF SNIFFING of X-Band radar emissions off other aircraft. The Captor-C is assessed to be able to detect small fighter aircraft (3m^2) at a range of over 160km (86nm), with the ability to track 20 air targets and engage 6 simultaneously. In standard practice, figures are presented against a 1m^2 target. A frail estimate indicates a 50% probability of detection against a 1m^2 target at about 60nm assuming a high altitude high Doppler target while using a HPRF search waveform. The Captor-C radar is stated to have 31 modes of operation. Known modes and functions include: Air-to-Air -RWS ----HPRF ----MPRF ----Adaptive PRF -STT ----NCTR ----Adaptive PRF -TWS ----Track 20 -----High quality track on 6 ----RAID Assessment ----NCTR ----Adaptive PRF -ACM ----4 combat modes available ----Likely use MPRF or LPRF Air-to-Ground -Real Beam Mapping ----LPRF ----Doppler Beam Sharpening -SAR ----1 meter resolution -GMTI ----Details unknown -GMTT ----Details unknown -Navigation ----Terrain Avoidance ----Contour mapping ----Air to surface ranging ----Precision Velocity Update -Sea Search and tracking ----Details unknown It is suspected that the RWS mode may be able to initiate up to two tracks on selected returns, similar to the APG-68. Though this suspicion is solely based on western airborne radar development trends. No direct evidence is available. Resources: Janes: Radar and Electronic Warfare systems 2007-2008 https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1988/1988%20-%200662.PDF https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euroradar_CAPTOR http://wiki.scramble.nl/index.php/Euroradar_Captor http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/BAE-Wins-PBL-Support-Contracts-for-European-Saudi-Eurofighters-05867/ http://clashofarms.com/files/Smarter%20Radars%20for%20Hpn.pdf 1 Link to comment
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