Leonardo automates end-to-end fighter jet radar array test facility

Described as “one button” solution to achieve a 24 to 30 hour radar antenna test, the test facility – called a Production Near-Field Range (PNFR) – is fully automated and located at the company’s Crewe Toll site in Edinburgh.

“The purpose of this groundbreaking automated near-field range is that it literally allows us to take a freshly built radar array fully test it, and get to the point that we are ready to deliver it without any human interference,” said Kerse.

“So half an hour’s work to set things up, and 30 hours later we have a fully tested and functional array.”

The company is hoping the PNFR facility – with its ability to quickly swap between the alignment laser and different waveguide RF Probes – will prove a “game-changer”. More radar antennas can be processed over a shorter period with more consistent controlled results, due to the automation of a complex test procedure.

“Our team completely automated the entire process, removing virtually all human intervention,” added Kerse.

“In the past, it would take on average 120 hours over 5 – 7 days to test and produce a test report for each array, with someone present all the time. This has been reduced to around 30 hours duration with no need for any presence except the very beginning and end.”

The system actually went into service earlier this year, says Leonardo.

Image: Leonardo – Mark Stead (SVP, Radar and Advanced Targeting, left) and Brian Kerse (right) in the new test facility

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