Active-element, phased-array radar: affordable performance for the 1990s

Active-element, electronically scanned, phased-array (AESA) radars have been shown to offer unique solutions for future airborne weapons systems. Flight demonstrations have validated AESA technologies and have clearly shown the advantages of AESA radars. These technologies are the product of research programs carried out over the past 25 years that led to airborne demonstration of AESA radars in 1989/90. Substantial performance and reliability improvements over conventional radars can now be realized. In-flight operational performance has been demonstrated. Reliability demonstrations for microwave transmit/receive (T/R) modules, digital control circuitry, and low-voltage power supplies have been completed successfully. Recent developments in monolithic microwave integrated circuit components provide the final link in the practicality of AESA radar-affordability