The Sukhoi Company began flight tests of the 5^thgeneration fighter aircraft (PAK FA or T-50) with a unique on-board active phased array radar system. In the course of the ground and flight tests of the T-50-3 prototype the radar “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” test modes in the first experiments showed a stable and effective performance comparable with the most advanced existing radar systems.

The further development of these capabilities was confirmed. The optical channels tests have begun.

The radar has been developed by the Moscow-based Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design using locally made elements of nanotechnology. It incorporates advanced antenna systems technology with electronically controlled beam.

The unification of the elements of design and engineering solutions allows creation of the antenna arrays for the modernization of radar systems for aircraft and air defense systems on the basis of the developed AFAR.

The AFAR radar has a range of new operation modes, which are used for the first time in domestic practice. It allows increasing the target detection range, parallel working in the “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” modes, recognition and classification of the group and single objects, simultaneously attacking multiple targets with precision weapons, and ensuring communication and electronic countermeasures.

Source: Sukhoi
Photo: Sukhoi