The Raytheon Technologies PhantomStrike radar for KAI FA-50 fighter jet aims to deliver exceptional capabilities in terms of long-range threat detection, tracking, and targeting.
Raytheon Technologies, a prominent aerospace and defense company, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to equip the FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft with their state-of-the-art PhantomStrike radar. This groundbreaking radar system, designed as a fully air-cooled fire-control radar, aims to deliver exceptional capabilities in terms of long-range threat detection, tracking, and targeting. Working closely with the United States Government, Raytheon Technologies has obtained the necessary approval to export the cutting-edge PhantomStrike radar to KAI as a Direct Commercial Sales product.
The PhantomStrike radar, showcased in a rendering of the T-50 aircraft, the sister model to the FA-50, stands out as a compact, first-of-its-kind Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Its revolutionary design is characterized by its smaller size, lighter weight, and reduced power requirements, making it a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of platforms. These include light-attack aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground-based towers.
Annabel Flores, the President of Global Spectrum Dominance, Raytheon Technologies said, “Outfitting the FA-50 with the PhantomStrike radar upgrades the capability of a critical aircraft, providing unparalleled performance in a compact, affordable package. We are dedicated to ensuring that these jets remain fast, agile, and easy to maintain “Threats on the battlefield always evolve, and PhantomStrike makes it possible for KAI to offer high-performance fire control radar capabilities that can integrate with U.S. and international weapon systems, so FA-50 customers maintain air dominance.”
The PhantomStrike radar combines two of Raytheon Technologies’ areas of expertise: a gallium nitride-powered array and the compact high-reliability integrated receiver/exciter processor (CHIRP). This unique combination allows the PhantomStrike radar to match the capabilities of modern AESA radars. The advanced upgrades introduced by the radar include digital beam forming and steering, multimode functionality, and interleaved ground and air targeting.
The production of the PhantomStrike radars will take place in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with the invaluable support of Raytheon UK. Initial deliveries of the cutting-edge radar system are expected to commence in 2025.
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The collaboration between Raytheon Technologies and KAI represents a major milestone in enhancing the capabilities of the FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft. By integrating the advanced PhantomStrike radar, the FA-50 will be equipped with state-of-the-art features that ensure its effectiveness in modern warfare scenarios. This partnership reinforces Raytheon Technologies’ commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions to its global partners.
