EL/M-2052
| Industry | Defense technology, Radar systems |
|---|---|
| Products | Airborne active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar |
The Elta 2052, also known as the EL/M-2052, is an X-Band airborne active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar developed for fighter jets to enhance air-to-air engagements and strike operations. Presently, it is deployed on the SEPECAT Jaguar as part of the Indian Air Force (IAF) DARIN III modernization initiative. Additionally, this radar system has been integrated into the HAL Tejas platform and is considered compatible with other fighter aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and FA-50 Block 20.
Employing fully solid-state active phased array technology, this fire control radar can monitor up to 64 targets concurrently. The EL/M-2052 benefits from practical insights gathered from Israeli Air Force combat pilots. In its air-to-air operational mode, it supports extended-range detection of multiple targets and enables simultaneous deployment of weapons.
Its capabilities in Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) include detailed high-resolution mapping, detection and tracking of moving ground or surface targets through Real Beam Mapping (RBM) and Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS), along with Air to Ground Ranging (AGR). The radar system also excels in long-distance target detection, tracking, and classification functions such as Range Signature (RS) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR).
Specifications
The Elta ELM-2052 is an airborne fire control radar operating in the X band, featuring advanced solid-state active phased array (AESA) technology. It represents an enhancement over the previous ELM-2032 model, with its antenna incorporating between 300 and 1500 active Ga-As TR-Modules. The radar reportedly achieves an air-to-air detection range exceeding 200 kilometers.
Controversy
NAV Technologies, headquartered in Beijing, offers a radar system that bears a strong resemblance to the Elta 2052, leading to an inquiry in Washington regarding potential Israel-China connections. Nonetheless, Elta has publicly refuted any involvement or association.