Wedgetail radar tests.Australia's Wedgetail programme saw another milestone reached in March 2006 when Boeing and Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company is the third largest defense contractor for the U.S. Electronic Systems completed the ground testing of the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array An electronically scanned array (ESA), or a phased array, offers many advantages over mechanically-scanned antennas such as instantaneous beam scanning, the availability of multiple concurrent agile beams and concurrently operating radar modes. (Mesa) radar aboard a 737 airborne early warning and control Air surveillance and control provided by airborne early warning aircraft which are equipped with search and height-finding radar and communications equipment for controlling weapon systems. Also called AEW & C. See also air picket. aircraft. This testing cleared the radar for flight testing at full power. The series of tests were geared to determining whether the Mesa would interfere with the aircrafts avionics or engines and also if it is compatible with the onboard mission systems. Australia has purchased six 737 AEW&C aircraft, the first two of which will be delivered for initial operational capability The first attainment of the capability to employ effectively a weapon, item of equipment, or system of approved specific characteristics that is manned or operated by an adequately trained, equipped, and supported military unit or force. Also called IOC. in July 2007. The Mesa radar which is also being tested against towed spheres that simulate cross sections of various fighter aircraft--is designed to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously and help the mission crew direct the control of fighter aircraft fighter aircraft Aircraft designed primarily to secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat. Designed for high speed and maneuverability, they are armed with weapons capable of striking other aircraft in flight. . Following these tests the programme is slated to move into the development, test and evaluation phase. |
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