Zhuk (radar)

Last updated
Zhuk
MAKS-2007-Radar.jpg
Zhuk-ME Antenna at MAKS 2007
Country of origin Russia
TypeSlotted Planar/PESA/AESA
Frequency X-band
Range90 to 260 km, depending on variant

The Zhuk are a family of Russian (former USSR) all-weather multimode airborne radars developed by NIIR Phazotron for multi-role combat aircraft such as the MiG-29 and the Su-27. The PESA versions were also known as the Sokol.

Contents

Description

The Zhuk (Beetle) family of X band pulse-Doppler radars provide aircraft with two modes of operation, air-to-air and air-to-surface. The air-to-air mode of the Zhuk is capable of detecting targets and measuring their coordinates, range and speed. [1] The radar has a look-down/shoot-down capability for air targets against a cluttered or water background and a variety of search modes are available. Individual targets can be tracked or multiple targets can be tracked and engaged at once while searching for new targets in track while scan mode. [1] The Zhuk radar can identify detected targets by class and prioritise multiple targets for engagement. A variety of close combat scanning modes are featured including vertical scan, HUD view, boresight and slewable are available as well as locking onto a visually acquired target. [1] The Zhuk radar also offers the ability to track and engage helicopters even when they are hovering. [1] The Zhuk is compatible with a variety of air-to-air weapons including the radar guided R-77 and R-27 missiles to which it can provide targeting, target brightening and radio adjustment. [1] The radar is compatible with optically guided missiles like the R-73 and can also provide fire control for aircraft cannon.

In the air-to-surface mode the N010 radar offers a mapping capability using either Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), real beam or doppler beam narrowing modes with a resolution of up to 3x3m with zooming and image freezing functions. [1] The radar can detect and track with measurement of range and speed both moving and static ground and naval targets. The Zhuk radar can support low altitude terrain following flying and can also detect dangerous weather patterns during flight. The radar is compatible with a variety of air-to-surface weaponry, including Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles as well as Kh-31 anti-radiation missiles. [1]

Variants

Picture of the original FGA-29 AESA JUK AE.jpg
Picture of the original FGA-29
Picture of FGA-35(Now labeled as FGA-29) MAKS Airshow 2013 (Ramenskoye Airport, Russia) (523-31).jpg
Picture of FGA-35(Now labeled as FGA-29)
Picture of FGA-35(3D) shown at MAKS 2013 (was relabeled as FGA-35) MAKS Airshow 2013 (Ramenskoye Airport, Russia) (523-27).jpg
Picture of FGA-35(3D) shown at MAKS 2013 (was relabeled as FGA-35)

Zhuk

The Zhuk (N010) radar was first tested in 1987 for installation on the MiG-29M fighter upgrade and was also proposed as a radar upgrade for the MiG-23 fighter. The original Zhuk radar was only capable of air-to-air combat and never made it into service with the Russian armed forces due to the cancellation of the MiG-29M upgrade program. [2] The Zhuk has a weight of 250 kg and uses a 680 mm electronically scanned slotted planar array antenna which offers a detection range of 90 km against a target with a 5 m2 radar cross-section (RCS). The radar can track 10–12 targets while engaging 2–4 of them with a scanning area of +/- 90 degrees in azimuth and +55/-40 degrees in elevation; [3] its power output was rated at 5 kW peak. [4]

Zhuk-8II

An export variant of the Zhuk radar developed for the Shenyang F-8-II Finback-B with similar performance to the Zhuk radar, only with a slightly reduced weight of 240 kg. [3] Scan sector is +85° in azimuth and +55/-40° in elevation, with a range of 90 km against bombers and 70 km against fighters. [5] The radar can simultaneously detect 10 targets, track 2 of the 10 detected and engage 1 of the 2 tracked. [5]

Zhemchoug

Zhemchoug (Pearl) of Zhuk series radar is a radar developed for Chengdu J-10 and FC-1 project with planar slotted array antenna. Weight is reduced by approximately a third to 180 kg, and the search and tracking range is 80 km and 60 km respectively. [5] Zhemchoug can simultaneously detect 20 targets and track 4 of 20 detected, and engage the 4 tracked. [5] However, China did not choose this radar for their J-10 fighter.

Zhuk-10PD

Zhuk-10PD is a further upgrade of earlier Zhemchoug also intended for Chinese J-10, with search range increased to 160 km (85 nm), and the targets that can be simultaneously tracked increased to 6. [6] However, once again Chinese didn't choose this radar due to the successful development of their active phased array airborne radar (AESA) radar. [7] [8]

Zhuk-27

Designed for the Su-27 but with similar tracking and scanning performance to the Zhuk radar, the Zhuk-27 weighed slightly more than the Zhuk at 275 kg but had a superior detection range of 130 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target. [3]

Zhuk-M (Export Designation Zhuk-ME)

The N010M Zhuk-M is a further development of Zhuk radar. The radar forms part of the MiG-29 and it's variations. the Zhuk-ME finding success on export MiG-29 aircraft to countries like India. The radar features improved signal processing and has a detection range of up to 120 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target for the export variant, and up to 10 targets tracked and up to 4 attacked at once in air-to-air mode. In air-to-surface mode the radar can detect a tank from up to 25 km away and a bridge from 120 km away, a naval destroyer could be detected up to 300 km away and up to two surface targets can be tracked at once. The radar has a weight of 220 kg and a scanning area of +/- 85 degrees in azimuth and +56/-40 degrees in elevation. The antenna is a mechanically scanned slotted planar array and has a diameter of 624 mm. [9] [10]

Zhuk-MS (Export Designation Zhuk-MSE)

Zhuk-M radar developed for the Su-27 and its derivatives, the export Zhuk-MSE is suggested as being exported to China for use in PLAAF Su-30MKK aircraft. The antenna is an electronically scanned slotted planar array and has a diameter of 980 mm with a peak output of 6 kW. The Zhuk-MSE offers detection performance up to 150 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target with up to 10 targets tracked and up to 4 attacked at once in air-to-air mode. The radar has a weight of 275 kg [11]

Zhuk-F/Zhuk-PH

An original Zhuk radar started in the late 80's featuring a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) antenna instead of a slotted planar array. The radar never made it into service or out of development despite being offered for export. Designed for the Su-27 the Zhuk-F had predicted 165 km ~ 140 km detection range against a 3 sq m RCS. Capability to detect 24 targets and track up to 8 with ability to engage 2 of them. Some sources note 24 targets could be tracked at once, and ability to engage 6 to 8. (It's possible that during development the target tracked and engagement capability had been increased.) [12] The size of the PESA antenna was 980 mm. The radar had a weight of 275–300 kg and a scanning area of +/- 70 degrees in elevation and azimuth. [3]

RP-35

Is a development of Phazotron's first PESA radar Zhuk-F for original MIG-35. The RP-35 adopts the traditional linear radar field distribution typical among most PESA radars. [5] The radar can simultaneously track 24 targets with a range against a 3 m2 RCS target 140 km head on, 65 km pursuit. [5] The radar has an 800mm sized antenna, with volume of 500 dm3, and weighs 220 kg. [5] RP-35 and similar PESA radars with traditional linear radar field distribution is no longer actively developed by Phazotron, which is concentrating on non-equidistant design, which Phazotron claims, offers a fivefold radar cost reduction. [5]

Zhuk-MF (Export Designation Zhuk-MFE) formerly known as FGM29F AKA N010MF

Based and shares same technology as the N031 Sokol. Zhuk-MF use Phazotron's unique radial distribution arrangement in the backplane waveguide feed, and proprietary radiating element placement. Featuring a 700 mm antenna. The Zhuk-MFE offered initial detection performance of up to 120 km. With capability of tracking up to 20 targets and engaging up to 4 engaged of those at once. Zhuk-MF like the former Sokol is designed for high reliability, and is frequency agile with LPI and anti-ECM features. The radar has a weight of 285 kg [13] Further work on Sokol/Zhuk-MF was stopped.

Zhuk-MSF (Export Designation Zhuk-MSFE) former N031 Sokol series

N031 Sokol series were originally separate radar family from Zhuk family. But were relabeled under "Zhuk" label. Offered for Sukhoi family and also as an alternative radar for the MiG-31 interceptor as opposed to the standard N007 Zaslon radar. [14] Sokol/Zhuk-MFSE use Phazotron's unique radial distribution arrangement in the backplane waveguide feed, and proprietary radiating element placement. The Zhuk-MFSE offers detection performance up to 180 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target with up to 30 targets tracked and up to 6 attacked at once in air-to-air mode. The radar has a weight of 305 kg. The radar uses a PESA antenna, which has a diameter of 980 mm with a peak power output of 8 kW with 16 carrier frequencies. [15] Sokol/Zhuk-MF is also frequency agile with LPI and anti-ECM features.

Zhuk-MA/MAE

The first incarnation of the Zhuk radar family featuring an Active electronically scanned array (AESA) based on N031 Sokol series was introduced in 2005 at MAKS. [16] The Zhuk MA (MAE for export) used 1088 transceiver modules divide into 272 blocks and an antenna of 700 mm diameter. With a range of 200 km and ability to track 30 targets and engage 8 out of those. Was aimed for Su-27's and MiG-29's. However, the large size and weight (about 400~500 kg) it was deemed too heavy. (Official placard from 2005 MAKS contradicts this and puts the weight at 285 kg.) [17] It could be that Zhuk-MA was confused with the first Phazotron-NIIR AESA of which only the antenna was shown at MAKS 2001 [18] ) Internally also known as FGA01

Zhuk-A/AE

The second incarnation of the Zhuk radar family shown at MAKS 2007 featuring an Active electronically scanned array were the Zhuk-A (AE for export). Two variants of the Zhuk-A's exist: the FGA-29, and the bigger FGA-35.

the FGA-29 features a 575 mm antenna and 680 T/R modules. Was stated for initial stage performance to have a detection range of 120 km (Later advertised as 130 km) for 3m² targets and able to track 30 targets and engaged 6 of those at any one time. [19] Later the performance was raised to 148 km for detection and tracking and was expected to reach a detection range up to 250 km [20] and had a weight of 220 kg (later advertised 200 kg) Work on FGA-29 was stopped. and the FGA-29 label was given to 1016 T/R modules FGA-35 radar.

The FGA-35 featured 688mm antenna and 1016 T/R modules (originally planned 1064) with initial stage performance of a 200 km detection range for 3m² RCS target. Later detection range was raised up to 250 km. [21] Able to track 30 targets and engage 6 of those at any one time. (Later reports mentioned capability of detecting 60 targets and tracking 30 with ability to engage 8 of those. Some western and Russian sources erroneously reporting 60 targets tracked instead of detected. ) The FGA-35 was later relabeled as FGA-29.

FGA-35(3D)

The FGA-35(3D) was first shown at MAKS in 2013. It's a GaN-based AESA, scalable, meant for various platforms with the version shown at MAKS having a 688mm(?) antenna and 960 T/R's. In an interview the new radar was mentioned to be weighing about 130 kg (for fighter planes) [22] and having a 200 km range for a 5-ton UAV version. [23] FGA-35(3D) was relabeled as FGA-35 while the original FGA-35 was relabeled as FGA-29.

Zhuk-AM/AME

In 2016 aerospace exhibition, held in Zhunhai Phazotron unveiled a new AESA radar named Zhuk-AM/AME which is likely further evolution of FGA-35 and renamed as Zhuk-AM/AME. According to Janes, [24] the Zhuk-AME (or FGA-50) can track up to 30 targets and can simultaneously attack up to six aerial targets and has detection range up to 260 km, which is improvement of 50% compared with previously developed variants of the Zhuk radar. The source added that the new radar weighs about 100 kg.

During 2015 Aero India Phazotron showcased a placard of Zhuk FGA-35, the radar in the placard looking like Zhuk-AM/AME instead of then FGA-35 (Which was besides the placard. [25] [26] and was also marketed for HAL LCA. [27]

Zhuk-A/AM

During MAKS 2019 international air show Phazotron unveiled the latest offered AESA radar for Mig-35. The radar has 1,000 solid-state transceiver-receiver module. Export customers can choose this radar instead of PESA radar of serial production MiG-35. [28] [29]

Zhuk-AU/AUE

On-board radar system with active phased array antenna, made with the same technology as Zhuk-AM, standardized for installation on different types of aircraft including drones. Can also be installed/carried in pods.

Zhuk-AU/AUE comes in following versions:

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Active electronically scanned array</span> Type of phased array radar

An active electronically scanned array (AESA) is a type of phased array antenna, which is a computer-controlled antenna array in which the beam of radio waves can be electronically steered to point in different directions without moving the antenna. In the AESA, each antenna element is connected to a small solid-state transmit/receive module (TRM) under the control of a computer, which performs the functions of a transmitter and/or receiver for the antenna. This contrasts with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), in which all the antenna elements are connected to a single transmitter and/or receiver through phase shifters under the control of the computer. AESA's main use is in radar, and these are known as active phased array radar (APAR).

A low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR) is a radar employing measures to avoid detection by passive radar detection equipment while it is searching for a target or engaged in target tracking. This characteristic is desirable in a radar because it allows finding and tracking an opponent without alerting them to the radar's presence. This also protects the radar installation from anti-radiation missiles (ARMs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erieye</span> Airborne Early Warning and Control System used on a variety of aircraft platforms

The Erieye radar system is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) developed by Saab Electronic Defence Systems of Sweden. It uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology. The Erieye is used on a variety of aircraft platforms, such as the Saab 340 and Embraer R-99. It has recently been implemented on the Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft as the GlobalEye.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Passive electronically scanned array</span> Type of antenna

A passive electronically scanned array (PESA), also known as passive phased array, is an antenna in which the beam of radio waves can be electronically steered to point in different directions, in which all the antenna elements are connected to a single transmitter and/or receiver. The largest use of phased arrays is in radars. Most phased array radars in the world are PESA. The civilian microwave landing system uses PESA transmit-only arrays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design</span> Russian developer of weaponry control systems

JSC V.V. Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design is a joint stock company, one of the Russian enterprises in the development of weaponry control systems for fighter planes and mobile medium range anti-aircraft SAM defence vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sukhoi Su-30MKK</span> Variant version of the Su-30MK multirole fighter aircraft

The Sukhoi Su-30MKK is a modification of the Sukhoi Su-30, incorporating advanced technology from the Sukhoi Su-35 variant. The Su-30MKK was developed by Sukhoi in 1997, as a result of a direct Request for tender between the Russian Federation and China. It is a heavy class, all-weather, long-range strike fighter, and like the Sukhoi Su-30, comparable to the American McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle. The Sukhoi Su-30MK2 is a further improvement to Su-30MKK with upgraded avionics and maritime strike capabilities. The MKK and MK2 are currently operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Vietnam People's Air Force, Venezuelan Air Force and the Ugandan Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giraffe radar</span> Swedish early warning radar system family

The Saab Giraffe Radar is a family of land and naval two- or three-dimensional G/H-band passive electronically scanned array radar-based surveillance and air defense command and control systems. It is tailored for operations with medium- and Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) missile or gun systems, or for use as gap-fillers in a larger air defense system.

Radar engineering details are technical details pertaining to the components of a radar and their ability to detect the return energy from moving scatterers — determining an object's position or obstruction in the environment. This includes field of view in terms of solid angle and maximum unambiguous range and velocity, as well as angular, range and velocity resolution. Radar sensors are classified by application, architecture, radar mode, platform, and propagation window.

The PS-05/A is a pulse-doppler radar currently used by the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. It weighs 156 kg and was developed by Ericsson in collaboration with GEC-Marconi, sharing some technology with the latter's Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bars radar</span> Russian radars

The Bars (Leopard) is a family of Russian all-weather multimode airborne radars developed by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design for multi-role combat aircraft such as the Su-27, Su-30 and the MiG-29.

Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), India. Located in C.V. Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, its primary function is research and development of radars and related technologies. It was founded by S. P. Chakravarti, the father of Electronics and Telecommunication engineering in India, who also founded DLRL and DRDL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zaslon</span> Russian airborne radar

The Russian BRLS-8B "Zaslon" (Barrier) is an all-weather multimode airborne radar developed between 1975 and 1980 by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design as part of the weapons control system of the MiG-31 supersonic interceptor. The NATO reporting name for the radar is Flash Dance with the designations "SBI-16", "RP-31", "N007" and "S-800" also being associated with the radar.

The KLJ-7, also referred to as the Type 1478, is an X band airborne fire-control radar (FCR) developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (NRIET), also known as the China Electronics Technology Company's (CETC's) No. 14 Research Institute. In December 2010, Pakistan Air Force's Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman announced that KLJ-7 radar will be built at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), in Kamra, north of Islamabad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irbis-E</span> Type of aircraft

Irbis-E is a Russian multi-mode, hybrid passive electronically scanned array radar system developed by Tikhomirov NIIP for the Sukhoi Su-35 multi-purpose fighter aircraft. NIIP developed the Irbis-E radar from the N011M Bars radar system used on Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EL/M-2106</span>

EL/M-2106 ATAR is a solid state L band medium range tactical 3D radar with active electronically scanned array (AESA) in elevation.

The AN/APY-10 is an American multifunction radar developed for the U.S. Navy's Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. AN/APY-10 is the latest descendant of a radar family originally developed by Texas Instruments, and now Raytheon after it acquired the radar business of TI, for Lockheed P-3 Orion, the predecessor of P-8.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikoyan MiG-35</span> Russian fighter aircraft

The Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multirole fighter that is designed by Mikoyan, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter, it is a further development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB fighters. According to a Russian defense industry source, the Mikoyan MiG-35 is essentially an upgraded variant of the MiG-29KR. Many consider MiG-35 a new name given by Mikoyan for marketing. The first prototype was a modification of the aircraft that previously served as a MiG-29M2 model demonstrator given temporary name MiG-35 but a later prototype was a different model with different equipment that served as the base for the MiG-35 as is known today. Mikoyan first officially presented the MiG-35 internationally during the 2017 Moscow air show; the first two serial production aircraft entered service in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TRML</span> Air defense radar system

The TRML is a family of air defense radars first developed by Telefunken and currently produced by Hensoldt. It is a development of the earlier TRMS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uttam AESA Radar</span> Indias indigenous AI AESA Radar programme.

Uttam is a solid-state gallium arsenide (GaAs) based active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar under development by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a low probability of intercept radar intended to be installed on the HAL Tejas Mark 1A, HAL Tejas Mark 2, HAL TEDBF and HAL HLFT-42 aircraft with plans to implement a larger and more powerful variant on-board India's 5th Generation fighter aircraft, HAL AMCA.

The Grifo radar is a family of airborne radars developed by Italian firm Leonardo S.p.A. for fighter aircraft and attack aircraft, and this family of radars includes several series.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Phazotron Website". Archived from the original on March 21, 2007. Retrieved March 23, 2007.
  2. "ACIG MiG-29M2".
  3. 1 2 3 4 Russia's Arms 2001-2002. Moscow: Military Parade Ltd. 2001.
  4. "Russian Avionics". Archived from the original on 2004-06-11.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Zhuk radar family". Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2002.
  6. "Zhuk-10PD" . Retrieved March 27, 2001.
  7. "歼10B有源相控阵雷达曝光 配置与美军一致(组图)" . Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  8. "网曝中国空军歼10B机载雷达照 与美战机类似引热议". Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  9. "Zhuk-ME". uploads.ru. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  10. "What does the MiG-35 bring to air combat? Interview with Anastasia Kravchenko". defenceiq.com. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  11. "Image: nMvLR.jpg". uploads.ru. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  12. "J-10. Полет наперерез - Военный паритет". www.militaryparitet.com.
  13. "Image: b4tYB.jpg". uploads.ru. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  14. "Published Brochure" (Document). Phazotron.
  15. "Image: bdl8cw.jpg, (843 × 852 px)". oi62.tinypic.com. 2008-10-05. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  16. "Image - TinyPic - Gratis foto's delen en afbeeldingen & video's hosten". nl.tinypic.com. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  17. "Image: k4dj9.jpg". uploads.ru. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  18. "Image: aesa_2001.jpg, (432 × 444 px)". missiles.ru. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  19. "DSC01637-773847.JPG (image)". 3.bp.blogspot.com.
  20. Djadan, Igor (August 24, 2009). "Defunct Humanity: Some questions about 'Fazotron's AESA are resolved on MAKS-2009". igorrgroup.blogspot.com.
  21. Defense servimg.com January 2009
  22. "AESA radars growing smaller". www.ato.ru. July 21, 2014.
  23. "Phazotron-NIIR's new radars". www.ato.ru. 8 November 2012.
  24. Nikolai Novichkov, Zhuhai (November 4, 2016). "Airshow China 2016: Russia unveils new AESA radar for MiG-35 fighter". www.janes.com. Jane's 360.
  25. Image imgur.com
  26. "Просмотр изображения b1XNM.jpg". uploads.ru.
  27. Brochure clipping
  28. "MiG-35 Shows Off New AESA Radar at MAKS 2019". DEFENSE WORLD. 27 August 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  29. "What does the MiG-35 bring to air combat? Interview with Anastasia Kravchenko". www.defenceiq.com. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2020.