Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array

The Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) is a surveillance radar system for the Boeing 737 AEW&C airborne early warning and control aircraft. The radar is produced by Northrop Grumman.

MESA
An E-7 Wedgetail of the RAAF, with the MESA radar on the large dorsal fin on top of the fuselage
Country of originUnited States
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman
TypeSurveillance radar
FrequencyL band

Design and development

In the 1990s, Australia recognized a need for an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. In 1996, Australia issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the aircraft for the RAAF under Project Wedgetail, referring to the Wedge-tailed eagle.[1] In 1999, Australia awarded Boeing Integrated Defense Systems a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft.

The L band (1 to 2 GHz) electronically scanned AEW and surveillance radar is located on a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage, dubbed the "top hat", and is designed for minimal aerodynamic effect. The radar is capable of simultaneous air and sea search, fighter control and area search, with a maximum range of over 600 km (look-up mode). When operating in look-down mode against fighter-sized target, the maximum range is in excess of 370 km. When used against maritime targets, the maximum range is over 240 km for frigate-sized targets. MESA is capable of simultaneously tracking 180 targets and conducting 24 intercepts. In addition, the radar antenna array is also doubled as an ELINT array, with a maximum range of over 850 km at 30,000 feet (9,000 m) altitude.[2]

The 10.8 m long by 3.4 m high antenna assembly incorporates 7.3 m long by 2.7 m high Side-Emitting Electronic Manifold array, with the top hat supporting array providing 120° coverage on port and starboard side, while the top hat array itself provides 60° fore and aft, thus providing a complete 360° coverage. The radar's beam can be set for a 2° to 8° width, while scan duration can be set from 3 s to 40 s. Radar signal processing equipment and central computer are installed directly below the antenna array.[3]

The cabin features eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more; the Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more (four on starboard side and six on the port side).[4]

The MESA radar also formed the basis for Northrop Grumman's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) which was originally developed for the United States Air Force's stillborn E-10 MC2A aircraft.

Applications
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See also

References
  1. "AIR 5077 - Project Wedgetail" Archived 27 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Defence Materiel Organisation
  2. "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  3. "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  4. "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
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