Thomson-CSF'S Radar and Countermeasures (RCM)division has launched a new multi-mode airborne radar aimed at the growing retrofit and new light-fighter market.
Based on the RDY radar developed for the Dassault Mirage 2000, the RC400 will be "the most modern light radar available", says RCM director general Patrick Helin. The unit cost of the RC400, which weighs 130kg, will be up to $1 million, says Helin, "-depending on how many are ordered". He identifies a potential market for at least 3,000 radars in the RC400 category over the next five years, but points out that "-it may be bigger than that, depending on how many of the planned new trainers/light fighters are launched'.
Thomson-CSF developed the RC400 with funds made available from the sale of around 130 RDY radars aboard exported Mirage 2000-5s. Helin says that the design is "-totally modular, and the configuration is physically adaptable to the aircraft".
Range is around 100km (55nm). The radar uses algorithms from the RDY, providing all-aspect, look-up and look-down detection with simultaneous tracking of up to eight targets in air-to-air mode.
The first prototype RC400 is now being built, with flight testing planned in mid-1998 and delivery of the first unit possible 18 months later, says Helin. Possible customers for the radar include modernisation of Pakistan's Chengdu F-7s and the Indian Light Combat Aircraft. The RC400 will be a competitor to the Fiar Grifo, GEC-Marconi Blue Hawk and various US systems.
Source: Flight International
