T/R module design and production processes for airborne radar systems

E-scan radar for airborne applications has now reached a stage of maturity in several European companies and has demonstrated significant performance improvements with high reliability and affordable costs. T/R modules are a key component of E-scan radars and have transferred out of the development laboratory and through the initial production stage into radar production. Adequate technical performance for T/R modules is now taken for granted, so the focus is now upon achieving lower production cost and mass, together with repeatability of performance and reliability in volume manufacture. This paper discusses the key drivers that enable successful transfer into large scale production of T/R modules.