PhantomStrike radar completes flight test on Raytheon testbed

Raytheon demonstrated long-range targeting, terrain mapping and faster digital beam agility during the Ontario test flight of its compact fire-control radar system, which also features a strong resistance to jamming.

Raytheon has completed a first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on the Multi-Program Testbed aircraft in Ontario, California. During the flight, the system tracked multiple airborne targets and successfully mapped terrain.

PhantomStrike is a compact, air-cooled fire-control radar designed to detect, track and target threats over long distances. Raytheon says it delivers faster digital beam agility, better target detection and strong resistance to jamming.

The radar costs nearly half that of typical fire-control systems. It uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology and is suited to fighter jets, light-attack and uncrewed aircraft, helicopters and towers.

“The threat environment is evolving, and this test demonstrates how PhantomStrike can make enhanced situational awareness available to a broader set of our partners and allies – offering unparalleled performance and potential U.S. weapons integration – at an affordable price,” says Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. “This next-generation radar dramatically changes how we identify and respond to threats,” he adds.

PhantomStrike weighs about half as much as a modern AESA radar. It is produced in Mississippi, Arizona and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.