Re: JF-17: New Pics
AESA radars continue to function nominally even if one or a few of the modules fail. It isn't as though if one module fails the whole radar goes down. Some AESAs, such as the APG-79 had reliability problems due to unstable code--had nothing to do with hardware in the case of the APG-79.
This is surely true when looking at parameters such as detection range, tracking, etc.--basically all the traditional radar specs. But what you fail to account for are the many revolutionary capabilties/potential upgrades that AESAs have vs. PDR or MSA:
1. Ability to operate simultaneously in different modes, for example air-air and sea tracking. In other radar systems pilots have always had to flip a switch to change modes and the radars can only operate in a single mode at any one instant in time. (current example is APG-79)
2. As already mentioned AESAs resistance to jamming
3. AESAs potential to function as a jammer itself. AESA radars can be programmed to tightly focus each modules emmisions into a beam which can be precisely aimed at targets to act as a jammer or directed energy weapon. It is possible to use this ability to scramble a target's electronics, effectively destroying it.
Whether or not all these capabilties (or potential capabitlites) are required for certain missions is another question, but it is hard to think of anything where an AESA doesn't simply outperform a PDR, when all other parameters are equal (like dish or array diameter).
xihaoli said:
AESA radars continue to function nominally even if one or a few of the modules fail. It isn't as though if one module fails the whole radar goes down. Some AESAs, such as the APG-79 had reliability problems due to unstable code--had nothing to do with hardware in the case of the APG-79.
This is surely true when looking at parameters such as detection range, tracking, etc.--basically all the traditional radar specs. But what you fail to account for are the many revolutionary capabilties/potential upgrades that AESAs have vs. PDR or MSA:
1. Ability to operate simultaneously in different modes, for example air-air and sea tracking. In other radar systems pilots have always had to flip a switch to change modes and the radars can only operate in a single mode at any one instant in time. (current example is APG-79)
2. As already mentioned AESAs resistance to jamming
3. AESAs potential to function as a jammer itself. AESA radars can be programmed to tightly focus each modules emmisions into a beam which can be precisely aimed at targets to act as a jammer or directed energy weapon. It is possible to use this ability to scramble a target's electronics, effectively destroying it.
Whether or not all these capabilties (or potential capabitlites) are required for certain missions is another question, but it is hard to think of anything where an AESA doesn't simply outperform a PDR, when all other parameters are equal (like dish or array diameter).
