The high-tech radar modules from EADS Defence & Security (DS) for the Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR) of the German-Italian-American Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) have passed all required acceptance tests. This paves the way for integration into the first of three prototypes.

Defence Electronics (DE), an integrated activity of DS, has completed production of more than 10,000 transmit/receive modules. They are core elements of the radar antenna and have been delivered for integration into the first radar prototype. DE’s T/R modules are the only ones in Europe which are certified in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard – as is the clean room production facility (the ‘Microwave Factory’) at the company’s facility in Ulm, Germany.

This development positions DS as the premier European company in production of core components of the new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with electronic beam scanning on an industrial scale. In view of this, the MEADS programme is playing a leading strategic role in the deployment of AESA technology.

During the design and development phase, Defence Electronics will produce thousands of additional T/R modules, including the associated control electronics, in accordance with a contract worth approximately €120 M. These make the MEADS Multifunction Fire Control Radar the most powerful radar system of its type in the world. The T/R modules are the key components of the new generation radars, based on AESA technology.

“The high demands placed on the MEADS radar can’t be met without AESA technology,” explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. “Thanks to our combined efforts within EADS Defence & Security, we have achieved a high degree of technological maturity, enabling us to supply the member states with tens of thousands of qualified modules in a short period of time.”