Searchmaster radar in first flight

Thales' Searchmaster radar has completed its first flight, marking the start of a six month flight test campaign, the company announced on 4 February.

Thales is developing Searchmaster for France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft upgrade programme. It will also be available for international export customers. 

The airborne surveillance radar uses an active electronically scanned array antenna to provide multirole capabilities and high levels of naval or land threat detection performance. It is designed for five mission types: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol, air-to-ground missions and tactical air support.

Flight testing will involve an integrated team, with personnel from Thales, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) flight test centre and the French Navy (CEPA or operational fly test and evaluation centre). During the campaign, the radar will be tested in real-life operating environments, including air-to-surface, air-to-ground and air-to-air operations.

A Thales spokesperson said that at least 15 radars are being prepared for the ATL2 programme. The first production radars will be delivered in the first half of 2017.