Article Posted on : - Apr 29, 2015

The Gripen fighter. A SAAB photo

STOCKHOLM (BNS): Swedish defence major SAAB has developed an upgraded variant of the PS-05/A radar to improve the performance and operational range of the Gripen C/D multi-role fighters.

Designated as PS-05/A Mk4, the radar along with a new hardware configuration will also enhance the Gripen Weapon System capabilities by enabling full integration of the AMRAAM and Meteor missile systems in the fighter, SAAB announced on April 28.

A new air-to-air mode has been implemented and demonstrated which takes full advantage of the signal processing capacity and the flexible waveform generation in PS-05/A Mk4. This mode increases acquisition range with 100% at low altitudes compared to the previous version of PS- 05/A.

This radar mode will also be useful for detection of targets with very low Radar Cross Section. The Meteor missile downlink is optimized to maintain radar performance during long-range data linking scenarios, the company said

"The Mk4 is a world-class multifunction radar, with excellent ECCM performance, growth capability and with very low life cycle cost," said Lars Tossman, Head of Airborne Surveillance Systems at Saab business area Electronic Defence Systems.

With the new Mk4 upgrade, the PS-05/A will continue to improve operational capabilities for customers around the world.

The PS-05/A Mk4 can be adapted to fit into most airborne platforms, including multi-role combat aircraft, UAV, advanced jet trainer or other airborne platform, the manufacturer said.