The first airborne radar systems were developed during World War II, starting with the British AI (airborne intercept) VHF (200 MHz) radar used in their Beaufighter and Blenheim twin engine fighter/bomber. Airborne radar designs evolved quickly into three distinct categories, airborne early warning (AEW), fighter intercept, and bombing/navigation. Later developments included airborne radars for surface surveillance and weather avoidance. The need for supporting systems evolved at the same time radars were developed. The first support system needed was electronic communications. This was followed by the need to determine whether the object detected was friendly, neutral, or the enemy, resulting in identification, friend or foe (IFF). The need for command and control of intercepting fighter aircraft led to the development of better navigation systems. Then, all fighters being used for attack knew where the target was located because they had basically the same reference grid, or had achieved 'grid lock.' Electronic intercept systems capable of detecting and identifying electromagnetic emissions from aircraft were added to provide an independent means of target identification and location. Infrared and television systems have also been used to provide positive means of target identification.

Chapter Contents:

• 10.1 Introduction
• 10.2 Modem AEW Systems
• 10.2.1 E-3 AEW
• 10.2.2 E-2 AEW
• 10.2.3 Nimrod AEW
• 10.2.4 P-3 AEW
• 10.2.5 Searchwater Radar
• 10.2.6 Skymaster
• 10.2.7 Aerostat Radars
• 10.3 Phased-Array AEW Radars
• 10.4 Other Possible AEW Configurations
• 10.4.1 Navy Airship
• 10.4.2 Conformal E-2C Antenna
• 10.4.3 C-130 Platform for AEW
• 10.4.4 Hi-Spot Platform
• 10.4.5 Unmanned Airborne Vehicle AEW

Inspec keywords: military radar; aircraft navigation; search radar; airborne radar

Other keywords: airborne early warning; electronic intercept systems; television systems; target location; British AI VHF radar; IFF; identification friend or foe; target identification; weather avoidance; infrared systems; electromagnetic emission detection; fighter intercept; intercepting fighter aircraft; surface surveillance; AEW; AEW electronics systems; Blenheim twin engine fighter-bomber; bombing-navigation; frequency 200 MHz; electromagnetic emission identification; World War II; grid lock; British airborne intercept VHF radar; electronic communications; Beaufighter twin engine fighter-bomber

Subjects: Radar and radiowave systems (military and defence); Radar equipment, systems and applications