Terracotta takes to the air
Terracotta includes almost 200 wideband digital channels that can be used for a range of communications, ISR and EW missions. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
First flight of Northrop Grumman wideband AESA radar follows demonstrations in Q4 2020.
Northrop Grumman announced on 22 June that it has successfully flight demonstrated its new Terracotta fully digital wideband active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The flight test followed successful ground and flight demonstrations of Terracotta in Q4 2020; the most recent flight verified how Terracotta simultaneously performs active and passive RF capabilities.
Terracotta comprises nearly 200 wideband digital channels that can be moulded cooperatively or segmented for purposes such as including EW, airborne early warning radar, active and passive sensing, and communications.
‘As a fully-digital multifunction sensor with a wide operating bandwidth, Terracotta can seamlessly provide adaptive spectrum manoeuvrability,’ said Paul Kalafos, VP of surveillance and electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare at Northrop Grumman.
He added: ‘The sensor’s architecture is easily scaled and configured for many applications and systems across all domains. It represents a key enabling technology for joint all domain operations.’
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
