Captor-E

Captor-E
Name	Captor-E
Type	Active electronically scanned array radar
Manufacturer	Leonardo S.p.A.

Captor-E. The Captor-E is an advanced active electronically scanned array radar system developed by the multinational consortium Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft. Designed to provide superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities, it represents a significant evolution from the earlier mechanically scanned Captor radar. The system enhances the Typhoon's situational awareness and weaponry integration, ensuring its competitiveness against contemporary threats like the Dassault Rafale and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

Overview

The Captor-E, also known as the European Common Radar System Mark 1, is a pivotal sensor upgrade for the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. It transitions the platform's primary radar from a mechanically scanned array to a more advanced and flexible active electronically scanned array technology. This upgrade was driven by the need to match or exceed the capabilities of rival fourth and fifth-generation fighters, such as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Sukhoi Su-35. The radar's development involved key European defense companies, primarily Leonardo S.p.A. in the United Kingdom and Hensoldt in Germany, under the umbrella of the Eurofighter consortium.

Development and Design

The development of the Captor-E was initiated under the Eurofighter Typhoon's Phase 3 Enhancement package, a major modernization effort coordinated by NETMA. The program aimed to address limitations of the original Captor radar, particularly in look-down, shoot-down scenarios and electronic warfare environments. Design work, led by Leonardo S.p.A. at its site in Edinburgh, focused on incorporating a gallium nitride-based transmit/receive module array, offering greater power and reliability than older gallium arsenide systems. The design allows for simultaneous multi-mode operations, such as tracking multiple targets while conducting synthetic aperture radar mapping for ground attack missions.

Technical Specifications

The Captor-E features a scalable array with over 1,000 transmit/receive modules, providing a significant increase in detection range and tracking accuracy over its predecessor. It operates in the X-band frequency range and utilizes a liquid cooling system to manage heat from its powerful active electronically scanned array. Key performance metrics include a detection range exceeding 200 kilometers against fighter-sized targets and the ability to maintain a track while scan function on more than 20 targets. The radar is fully integrated with the Eurofighter Typhoon's Defensive Aids Subsystem and PIRATE infrared search and track system.

Operational History

The Captor-E achieved initial operational capability with the German Air Force and the Royal Air Force in the early 2020s. Its introduction was a cornerstone of the Quadriga and Project Centurion procurement programs for Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively. The radar has been deployed in several multinational NATO exercises, including Air Defender 2023, where it demonstrated enhanced capabilities in Beyond Visual Range engagements. It is slated to be a key component of the Eurofighter fleets operated by Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia as part of their ongoing Mid-Life Update programs.

Variants

The primary variant is the Captor-E AESA, designed for new-production Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 and 4 aircraft. A significant development is the Captor-E-S or "Radar One" variant, which features a scalable array in a mechanically scanned radome, allowing for retrofitting onto earlier Tranche 2 aircraft without major airframe modifications. This variant is central to the proposed Kuwait and Qatar export contracts. Future potential variants may include further enhancements in electronic attack modes and integration with next-generation weapons like the MBDA Meteor and Spear 3 missile.

Operators

Current operators of the Captor-E radar include the German Air Force on its newly delivered Quadriga-configured Typhoons. The Royal Air Force integrates the system on its Project Centurion aircraft, operated from bases like RAF Coningsby. The Italian Air Force and Spanish Air Force are in the process of receiving their upgraded aircraft. Internationally, the radar is on order for the Kuwait Air Force and the Qatar Emiri Air Force as part of their respective Eurofighter purchases. Potential future operators are being courted through campaigns led by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and government agencies like the UK Ministry of Defence.

Category:Military radars Category:Avionics Category:Military equipment of Europe