Scalable multifunction active phased array systems: from concept to implementation

The SMRF (scalable multifunction radio frequency systems) concept has been launched in the WEAG (Western European Armament Group) context, recently restructured into the EDA (European Defence Agency). A derived concept is introduced here, namely the SMRF-APAS (scalable multifunction radio frequency-active phased array system) concept. In this paper, the cost/effectiveness derived from the introduction of the SMRF-APAS concept is compared to an active phased array system which makes no use of scalable techniques. In particular, a comparison is performed between a SMRF-APAS solution and a conventional solution with regard to non recurring cost i.e. cost of radar design and recurring cost i.e. cost of radar construction. We find that the reduction in cost due to the adoption of the SMRF-APAS concept could be about 80% for non recurring cost and 40% for recurring cost. This reduction could become more and more relevant after the insertion of the new technologies still in development.